Med Spur Thighed Tortoise

Question
Our 50 yr old tortoise has come out of hibernation as usual,but this year she won't open her eyes. Her hibernation was temp controlled so it can't be frostbite. We live up a mountain in Kerry ,Ireland and it gets windy up here but she has shelter & a warm area to go to.So help, what might be wrong?

Answer
It might be an eye infection that developed during hibernation.  The tortoise may have gotten dirt or some other matter in the eyes as you didn't say whether or not it was hibernated in or out of doors so to speak.  I would try taking a warm wash cloth and try to wipe the eyes and see if they come open.  Other than that being that I am not a vet I could only recommend that you take the tortoise to one so that they may examine and find the root of the problem.  But I would try the warm damp cloth first.

John F Taylor
www.reptileapartment.com