Medical management of conjunctivitis and shell rot in a red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Conjunctivitis and shell rot in a red-eared slider and its successful clinical management are described. The red-eared slider was presented to Veterinary Polyclinic Mannarkkad with swollen eyes and white patches on the carapace. The turtle was treated with enrofloxacin bath for 7 days. Superficial lesions on the carapace were treated by application of chlorhexidine gel. Three percent boric acid was used for washing the eye. Vitamin A was administered orally. Several managemental changes ware also made to hasten the recovery. After 1 week of treatment, improvement in the condition of eye was observed. Within 1 month, the white patches on the carapace completely disappeared and the turtle made an uneventful recovery. The case points towards the importance of managemental changes that plays a significant role in the health of an exotic pet like red-eared slider.