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Red Eared Sliders Swollen Eyes

22 16:03:59

Question
I have 2 red eared sliders and their eyes have swollen shut. It first started
when I refilled their tank after a cleaning. When I put them back in the water,
a whole bunch of bubbles appeared, I think it may have been soap from
inside the recycling box we kept them in while emptying the tank. So we
emptied and refilled the tank, cleaned the tubes and the filter. When we put
them back in there were no bubbles, or anything like soap, but they swim
frantically in the water and go straight to their rocks. We cleaned it one more
time, but its made no difference. Now their eyes have swollen shut and I am
at a loss of what to do. We have put a chlorine condition in the water with no
luck.
Does anyone please know of any ideas of what it could be?? Or how I could
feed them if they cant see and wont go in the water? There is also
construction going on on our street, I dont know if this could affect the
water?  

Answer
Hi Lauren,

It sounds like the soap probably irritated their eyes badly.  The best thing you can do is make sure the filter is running properly and the water is very clean and hope that they recover after a few days.  If the swelling doesn't improve by the weekend, I would recommend taking them to a vet for treatment, but if it's the soap that's causing the problem they should be better.