white spots on desert tortoise eyes

Question
We have a 15 yr old female desert tortoise that we have had for a little over a year. We live in Lake Havasu City AZ where it is VERY warm & dry she lives in the back yard. Recently we have noticed that she has white like cataract looking spots on her eyes. Is this from something in her diet?

Answer
Hi Julie,

I'm afraid I can't be of much help to you on this one.  I've never seen a tortoise with the condition you describe.  If it's on both eyes, then it's probably not due to injury or infection, either.  A dietary problem would most likely show up as swelling.  This sounds like it's something going on with the either the surface of the eye or inside the eye itself.  I would take your tortoise into a herp vet for evaluation and treatment.  You can contact the California Turtle and Tortoise Club for a vet referral.  Good luck, and if you find out what it is, please post back and let me know.   

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