How Is Hypovitaminosis A Treated?
The key to treatment is providing a nutritionally balanced diet, developed specifically for the species of turtle, taking into account whether it is a carnivore or herbivore. Vitamin A supplements will usually be given orally (the preferred method) or by injection (if the condition is severe) until proper levels in the body are restored. Turtles with a vitamin A deficiency are often deficient in other nutrients as well, such as vitamin E and zinc, so these nutritional imbalances need to be corrected as well. Care must be taken to not oversupplement, since vitamin A toxicities can occur. Follow your veterinarian's directions carefully. If feeding commercial diets, such as trout food, it should be fresh, and of high quality.
Foods High in Vitamin A
- Apricots
- Broccoli leaves and flowerets
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Collard greens
- Dandelion greens (beware of lawn treatments)
- Kale
- Mango
- Mustard greens
- Nectarines
- Papaya
- Parsley
- Peaches
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Turnip greens
- Yellow squash
- Liver
- Whole fish
Foods Very Low in Vitamin A
- Apples
- Bananas
- Corn
- Grapes
- Lettuce
- Oranges
- Summer squash
- White potatoes
Secondary bacterial or fungal infections will be treated with antibiotics orally, by injection, or applied to the skin or eyes.
Any poor husbandry conditions will need to be addressed such as type of shavings or inadequate sanitation.
Summary
Hypovitaminosis A is a totally preventable disease. Feeding the appropriate diet will assure your turtle is going to receive the daily requirements of vitamin A. The earlier a case of hypovitaminosis A is diagnosed, the faster the response to treatment and the less likelihood of permanent damage. If your turtle is showing signs of illness, consult your veterinarian.
