More Reptiles Answers
Question Library
Ask a question about Reptiles
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login
Awards
About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer
|
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
About Thea
Expertise
I can answer questions on the proper husbandry and diet of Iguanas, bearded dragons, geckoes, skinks, chameleons, tortoises, box turtles, treefrogs, non-venomous snakes and tarantulas. Also the breeding of some species of feeder insects.
I have no experience with venonmous snakes and only limited experience with aquatic turtles.
Experience
I have been keeping and breeding reptiles for over 30 years. In addition to my regular job in the medical field I also worked for several years in a pet store that specialized only in exotics. The job entailed both caring for and answering questions on innumerable species. It required constant, extensive research into a wide range of reptiles. I have been called to appear on televised national media (CBC, CTV and Life Channel) as well as CBC radio to discuss the proper care of reptiles and other exotics in captivity. I currently own one or more species of those listed under my expertise with the exception of chameleons. I owned chameleons for years but keep none currently. I keep over 20 snakes comprising 5 species, both Colubridae and Boidae. I bred corn snakes for several years. I have a particular interest in treefrogs and currently have 5 different species. I've raised redfoot tortoises for 10 years and have two iguanas, one for 10 years.
Publications
A small and now defunct local magazine called "Pet Vue"
Education/Credentials
Diagnostic medical microbiology with some parasitology experience.
| | |
| |
You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Reptiles > White Tree Frog -- Wounds
Expert: Thea
Date: 10/9/2008
Subject: White Tree Frog -- Wounds
Question
I have three white's tree frogs, and recently one of them developed a wound on his leg. I took him to the vet (who obviously doesn't see many frogs from her reaction to seeing him), and was given a broad-spectrum anti-biotic. After 10 days of quarantine and using the med, he seemed to be getting better so I put him back in with his buddies. Now, it appears to be slightly bigger, and just today I noticed that another one of the frogs has a sore on the bottom of his foot. I take excellent care of them, so I doubt it's from unsanitary conditions or anything, and I was wondering what's going on. Could they be hurting themselves on a piece of driftwood or something maybe? Let me describe the wounds: they are pinkish and kind of look like an ulcer. The first frog's wound was weeping a clear fluid today. Please help!!! I love my little guys, but I'm losing hope because I feel that I'm taking great care of them and I don't know why this is happening!
Answer
Hi Rachel, It certainly does sound like a bacterial infection. The legs (usually underside) and feet are the most common areas affected. Your description of the lesions is also right. With it occurring in two frogs I rather doubt that it is from a physical injury but rather some other environmental factor. When I worked in the pet business I encountered this situation almost exclusively with recently shipped frogs. The temporary over-crowding, handling and sub-optimal hygiene and temperatures would cause the stress that would render them immuno- compromised. The lesions would start to appear within a day or two of their arrival. Stress is frequently the main pre-disposing factor but a combination of things can cause the "tipping point".
I'm assuming that you have had these guys for a while so the re-location stress factor does not apply? To eliminate the risk of overcrowding, they should be in at least a 15 gallon tank. Their immune system function is directly related to their temperature. They should have a heat source that raises a portion of the tank into the 85 - 88F range. The chemicals in untreated tap water (chlorine and chloramine) are toxic to amphibians. Their water source needs to be treated with an aquarium water conditioner. White's tolerate more handling then most other frogs, both physically and through their calm temperament, but it does still cause some stress and can also affect the integrity of their skin. I would reduce handling to only what is necessary until this is under control.
The genera and species of bacteria that most commonly cause these problems are quite resistent and thrive in moist environments in particular. They are a common problem in hospitals as well. If you have not already done this I would highly recommend that you dismantle their tank and clean all non-porous items in a weak bleach solution. The driftwood can
be scrubbed with hot water or "baked" in a 200F oven for about 15 minutes. Discard the substrate. Set them back up with newspaper or paper towel as a subsrate (even plain glass is fine) and keep the tank quite dry. White's have thick skin that resists dehydration, they do not need constant high humidity or a lot of misting. These conditions invite high levels of both bacterial and fungal growth.
A topical antibiotic ointment applied to the lesions may help. I had the best results with a tetracycline based ointment but Neosporin can also be used. Iodine based products like Betadine are toxic to amphibians and can only be used at high dilutions.
I hope you are able to get this under control and kudos to you for taking their care seriously and seeking veterinary care promptly. Good luck.
http://allaboutfrogs.org/info/doctor/redleg.html
Add to this Answer
Ask a Question
|
|
