Cody ate plastic decor

If it was really big you're probably going to need to take him to the vet. If it was small enough that he might reasonably pass it with some help, I believe the usual aid for impaction is a soak in lukewarm water with a few drops of honey added. If it were me and my frog, though, I would probably take him to the vet because I'd be too worried about possible damage from it going through his system. So sorry this happened

Give it a few days and see what happens. Soak it twice a day. Most vets won't be able to do anything. They can't do operations on frogs. Don't stress too much

I appreciate the advice. Cody is alive and somewhat Ok looking today. He obviously isn't able to digest the plastic plant. He has two HUGE bulges on either side of his stomach. I soaked him for about thirty minutes in warm water, and then I put him back in his tank. He seemed a little stressed, but he seems to be in a much better mood than he was last night.

I'll try to upload some pictures of his tummy bulges and the plant he ate later if I get a chance.

Plastic doesn't digest. Plus you wouldn't want the plastic burned away from the wiring that is used to support the plastic. It would make matters worse.

Definitely keep us updated. Try and stay calm. He is going to be in a lot of discomfort.

I think I'm pretty calm. I mean, other than soaking him and trying not to stress him out too much, there really isn't a lot that I can do right now. I guess I'll just have to be patient and see how it all turns out.

Finally got some pictures for you guys. He looks pretty creeper with the bulges sticking out of his sides. I didn't edit a circle around them or anything like that, but I think they're pretty clear.

This is the picture I took when I was trying to (gently) wrestle it out of his mouth.


This is about 2 minutes after he completely swallowed it.


The rest of the pictures are pictures of the first time I soaked him today. I soaked him around 11:12am today (Monday), and he ate the plant at about 11:56pm yesterday night (Sunday). Just to give you guys a time-frame idea.




So if you guys come to any conclusion, or have any thoughts on his present/future condition (e.g. "he's probably not going to make it", or "Oh, that little thing? He'll be fine") feel free to say something.

I'll keep you guys posted. I sure hope he pulls through.

Poor little lumpy thing. . I'm thinking there's no way that'll be able to pass through his system. As for how much damage it could do by remaining in his stomach, I don't know. I don't suppose there is any way to induce vomiting in a frog? I'm not advising it or anything, just kinda thinking out loud.

There may be a way to induce vomiting, but I am not aware of any methods. Reguardless, if you see how he swallowed the plant you may come to realize that there really wouldn't be any way for him to vomit it out. I'm afraid it would just do that much more damage to his system.

I really don't know what I think about all of this. I don't want him to suffer through an extremely painful process just to die at the end of it, but on the other hand I don't want to take away his chance to fight through it. Is there a right answer? I would really like some more opinions on his condition, if you guys don't mind.

You guys can be sure that at this stage we are both trying really hard to work through this. Right now he seems like he has the will to fight through it. I'll keep you guys updated.

Could there be a way to anesthetize him with a vet, they then can open his mouth and perhaps see down and pull it out with tweezers, not sure if this is possible, but just a thought. I hope something can be done.

Is your poor frog still alive and doing well?

They can put frogs under to operate, but the problem with frogs is that sometimes they wake up during surgery. Something about their system makes anesthetic less effective.

Stanton I would take him to a vet anyway. If he has a chance they can tell you for sure and perhaps help. I can honestly say that this is not something you can handle yourself. This does not bode well for Cody if that plant is pushed any further down into his intestines. He will suffer greatly. A specialist may be able to get it out. If a bunch of stones can be removed through the mouth or a frog perhaps a fake plant can be too.

There is really only 2 options and one I know you will not like so I'm suggesting the better of the two for both your sake.

So not to be a jerk but, Why didn't you pull it out when he was swallowing it. You had enough time to take pics of the process. You may have injured his jaw or teeth a little bit but... letting him swallow the whole thing?...
Like I said I'm not being a jerk but I guess I just don't get it.
Hope your frog turns out ok.

Originally Posted by hotnickles96

So not to be a jerk but, Why didn't you pull it out when he was swallowing it. You had enough time to take pics of the process. You may have injured his jaw or teeth a little bit but... letting him swallow the whole thing?...
Like I said I'm not being a jerk but I guess I just don't get it.
Hope your frog turns out ok.

I would say he probably panicked.

Use the tongs to pull it out from his stomach. Try to use a light to see it. When they relax their tongue you can see down their throat.

I have no experience in this but if I can recommend anything, use perhaps K-Y jelly since it is water based to lubricate tongs and plastic leaf for ease of removal. Just a thought.

For light I would wear one of those small camping reading lights you put on your head where you can direct the light and have both hands free to work on the little guy. Sort of what surgeons do. Please keep us updated on the outcome.

I've been super busy all day, so I haven't had a chance to post. I'll give you guys a quick update.

It's been almost exactly 48 hours since he swallowed the plant. He is alive and hopping, but he seems pretty stressed out right now. I removed all the small plants, and replaced it with a huge standing aquarium plant that he won't be able to swallow if he tried. I went to Petsmart today (a 55 mile drive) and got Cody some Morpani driftwood (actually found some, they never have it). He seems to appreciate the change in scenery.

And now to respond to y'all's feedback (which I appreciate).

hotnickles, I tried. Partially I was panicking, but the reason it got to that point was because Cody locked his jaw and wouldn't let go. I had him hanging, I was pulling, prying, and jerking near the end. If I could have removed it quickly, there wouldn't have been any need for me to reach over and grab my camera (which was 2 feet away, easily in reach). I just felt like I needed to take a picture of the plant in case me and Cody failed to remove it. After I was done trying to get it out, Cody himself tried. After opening his mouth as wide as he could and rubbing his tongue, he couldn't shake it off. Yes, I watched him swallow it. I was nearly in tears, but at the time I wasn't thinking that the huge damage it would cause on his system would be worse than the blunt force of ripping it out of his mouth. So no, I guess I don't look back too fondly on that moment.

Grif, I wish more than anything I could take him to a vet. I know your vet has worked wonders. Unfortunately, I really don't think I could start to pay a vet bill for an extraction like this. Also, there aren't any exotic vets within 75 miles of where I live, and the closest one is in a city that my mom hates to drive in. On top of that, I have to go on a week long high adventure scout camp that I leave for Friday. With all my obligations before then, I don't have a day I could go. It would be great if I could go to the vet, but I can't, if you understand.

I think that I am going to try what Ivan and Mike suggested and make the extraction myself. As horrible as that sounds, I'll try to work quickly and that will prevent prolonged pain, if I fail or succeed. I really need some pointers, though. First of all, I really would like some way to "knock Cody out" before I try anything. If it's a recipe, please be as specific as you know how to be. If it's a product, I guess still be as specific as possible. Knowing him, he'll just be chewing on the tongs in protest the entire time if he's awake. I honestly don't think the plant went very far into his intestine track. The lumps haven't advanced. Maybe there is still hope.

I'll make a last ditch effort to save Cody, probably tomorrow. He's been strong, and he deserves an attempt. Either way, tomorrow more than likely he'll either be lost, or rid of the plant. Hopefully the latter. I just need him asleep before I start. Any suggestions?

OMG MeTree!!! I am so sorry that this is happening. We all live and learn, so here is my advice. Be prepared for the worst, be quick, and Cody will protest greatly. If he is in great pain, which I would be, he may be easier to help then you think. Good Luck

May i suggest that perhaps you can get 2 popsicle sticks and cut them down and use a dremel to round the edges or sand paper, just round like the popsicle sticks were originally but made small, perhaps if you cant figure out a way to put him to sleep as you say, you can pry his jaw open with a butter knife or something pretty flat and place a downsized popsicle stick into his mouth so that he cant shut it, while you are holding him perhaps then you grab some lubricated tweezers and grab that plastic plant and gently slide it out, then remove the popsicle stick and let him be. i am wishing you the best of luck. They are pretty resilient, and since you are not a VET, i would be very afraid trying home remedies for anesthetizing. Best of luck, keep us posted.

i have to agree my girlfriend and i were reading your post and she literally started crying. we hope all goes well for you and cody, keep us all updated