RIP Igor

[Jenste]

Most of you know I had a "special" ACF X.Laevis named Igor, who morphed with a twisted spine. I got him in December 2010. As he grew, the twist intensified and he had to be hand fed because he could not find the food at the top of the tank. He swam in spirals and while I was away on vacation my mother found him dead. I can only guess at what happened and I believe that he might of inhaled water instead of air at one of his crazy spins to the surface.

He was a cute little guy and will be greatly missed as he was my favorite among the bunch.

When I first got him, the twist was not as severe, he could almost lay flat and had only a little difficulty maintaining his balance




His way of "floating" at the top, next to my other piebald Harvey. Igor is on the right in the picture.


As he reached a year and a half to two years of age, the curve in his spine worsened as he grew until he spent most of his time floating in the water wisteria or leaning against things. He was unable to balance himself flat against the bottom any longer and this is when hand feeding became crucial so he could eat.


Here is a video of him trying to eat Reptomin sticks, even after sinking they are hard for him to grasp.
http://youtu.be/vPQgVhzRS_k

Here is a video of him and Tovi a few weeks after I got her (she had morphed with no front arms). I was hand feeding them and trying to get Tovi to eat as she had refused for the first few weeks. It shows her unfortunately being startled and as she stirs up the tank you see Igor swimming around looking for more food.
http://youtu.be/S37rVqI7ZBM



RIP little guy, I adored you.

[mshine1217]

Jenna,

I am so sorry for your loss. Despite his handicaps, Igor had a good life with you and probably wouldn't have lived as long as he did with someone less knowledgeable. The other thing that might be on your heart is the fact that you were on vacation and wasn't his primary caregiver. Don't feel any quilt about that, I've been there and done that and it doesn't serve any purpose. Just remember that he had a good life.

[Wicked frogs]

I'm so sorry to hear like karen said you probably gave him the best life he could of had at least you took great care of him and i am pretty sure he appreciated to the fullest... well rip Igor and sry again bro.

[DC101]

My prayers go out to you Jenna. I feel so sorry for your loss but now you know he is at peace.

[BlueisallIneed]

Aw I am so sorry for your loss he was definitely something special, such a cutie. He had a good life thanks to you just remember that.

[Joene Latiolais]

So sorry to hear about Igor, he sounds like quite a character and will be missed!

[Yusil]

I never knew Igor, but I am quite sorry for your loss .

It sounds like he atleast had someone take such good care of him, when in the wild he probably wouldn't have made it a week.

One of my frogs babies was born with two of his five toes missing on both back legs, so he had a hard time balancing and jumping for food. Not as bad as Igor's trauma, but I can relate somewhat.

I'm sure he was happier with you, then he would've been with someone else .