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My turtle's eyes seem a little puffier than usual. Not badly, but I want to be prepared in case it gets worse. I have some cod liver oil pills, but I've heard conflicting reports on how to apply it. Does the oil go around the eye, or can it go directly onto the eye for absorption purposes?

Thanks for your help!

Yes, you can put it eye or eyelid. Do you suspect a vitamin deficiency? Puffiness is more likely due to chlorine or UVB issues and cod liver oil will not help in those situations.

My MVB is 16" away from the basking area, so I'm pretty sure the UVB levels are safe. I usually over-de-chlorinate by a tiny bit, so I'm a little skeptical about that being the cause. I was planning to try the cod liver oil once tomorrow and wait another couple of days, to watch for improvement. My water chemistry is also doing very well, so I doubt that would irritate her eyes either.

If I don't see improvement after the oil, though, the next culprits could be chlorine, a bacterial infection, or RI. I seriously doubt the last 2, given her active (and oft-hungry) behavior.

What are you using to de-chlorinate?

I use API tap water conditioner.

You really shouldn't use that stuff. Your much better off using carbon to remove chlorine. Whole house water filters work great for this. Check it out here.
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33171

As for cod liver oil goes it can be applied to the eyes or placed on food. When turtles get swollen
eyes it could be a vitamin A deficiency or it could be a RI. That's why I recommend a vet visit! Or as Steve has stated it could just be chlorine or other things. If they actually close a vet visit is needed asap! And i I used clear light bulbs that bothered my turtles eyes. Lesson learned. I use only frosted bulbs now.

Thanks for the information, Kansasslider--I don't live near any vets I would recommend seeing. I decided to take the MVB down yesterday (just in case) and now use a frosted incandescent for heat. I'll hold off on UVB for a few days, to see if it gets better.

I'm not saying the mvb was the cause but good move. See if it improves. What mvb? Power sun?

Yes, it's a Power Sun (100W, normally 16" above the basking space).