Signs of Impactions and Digestive Problems

[Helios]

So I've been doing a little reading, just to get an idea for how illness and issues like this can affect tree frogs. I don't have any reason to worry about my frog, just figured I'd ask a few questions to see what the feedback was like. One of the biggest things I've run into with discussion about an enclosure for tree frogs is substrate and the potential for impaction to result depending on what you use? So what are the specific symptoms? My guess would be lethargy and disinterest in food. Does that seem to be the case? I'm familiar with how it plays out for reptiles, but not so much with amphibians.
That said, what does lethargy look like for a tree frog? Considering some species, like my waxy, aren't the biggest movers in general, how would you categorize that symptom? Another question along that line: In reptiles all I know of aren't going to have any appetite when they have digestion problems. Does the same hold true for frogs/treefrogs? Again, I'm not personally asking from teh suspicion somethign is wrong with my frog, just curious what everyone's experience and input on these questions are, as I haven't found those specifically addressed.

[Hoppity100]

Well, lethargy sounds reasonable to me first off plus no appetite, and impaction could end up deadly if it turns into bowel obstruction. I know it would be about impossible to give frog a laxative or fiber powder, but, if frog can take water it may help. I am not sure what the answer is for impaction....maybe increase in exercise plus water. I worry about mine after seeing them gulp down a cricket!Lethargy you will notice if frog does not care to move like before. Frog will be disinterested in old activities.

I would also think same thing applies to other digestive problems, too. I have a skinny frog that was shipped being thin and I have offered him extra worms. He's doing alright. When I brought him home and turned him loose in frog tank, he sat there just dazed! Other frog went right into the water but the skinny one sat on driftwood for a long time staring at his new environment. I don't think he was ever in a natural one before and after being in my tank, finally started acting like other frogs. I made my set up as natural as possible and they look very content.

I still don't understand how they eat then digest a cricket! Crickets look so hard! I don't think frogs have any teeth. If they do, I can't see them! They tend to swallow food without chewing, too. Hope this helps.

[flybyferns]

So I've been doing a little reading, just to get an idea for how illness and issues like this can affect tree frogs. I don't have any reason to worry about my frog, just figured I'd ask a few questions to see what the feedback was like. One of the biggest things I've run into with discussion about an enclosure for tree frogs is substrate and the potential for impaction to result depending on what you use? So what are the specific symptoms? My guess would be lethargy and disinterest in food. Does that seem to be the case? I'm familiar with how it plays out for reptiles, but not so much with amphibians.
That said, what does lethargy look like for a tree frog? Considering some species, like my waxy, aren't the biggest movers in general, how would you categorize that symptom? Another question along that line: In reptiles all I know of aren't going to have any appetite when they have digestion problems. Does the same hold true for frogs/treefrogs? Again, I'm not personally asking from teh suspicion somethign is wrong with my frog, just curious what everyone's experience and input on these questions are, as I haven't found those specifically addressed.

Hi Helios,
To avoid impaction feed in a bowl, or use substrate that is so fine (ie cocoa fiber) that it will pass through the digestive track easily. Avoid any stones or pebbles that one could imagine fitting into its mouth. The common symptoms include a bloated abdomen and lethargy and lack of poop! The frog may writhe, or turn his head towards his tummy and appear distressed. ( He may appear tilted) When the frog does writhe it can be subtle...or quite obvious. Imagine a bad stomach ache and what you might do when pain or discomfort causes you to twist and bend over and squirm. A vet is needed for this. However one can soak a frog in warm baths while waiting for the vet appt.

As a secondary factor; mealworms !! -this almost nutritionless worm has very little food value. It might not be the specific cause for impaction but can contribute to binding up your frogs' intestines.

Check it out:
http://www.frogforum.net/budgetts-fr...gs-gravel.html

Lynn

[Hoppity100]

Thanks, it is sad if a frog has to suffer and vets for them are hard to find. I know we don't have exotic vets where I live. The cost would be alot even if we had one. If stores would give fact sheets and tell people what to do and what NOT to do with animals, this would not happen. I have stores giving me wrong advice too often. I did hear mealworms aren't good and the reasons why. Now I wonder if crickets are ok. But, if impaction then bowel obstruction, by the time the owner discovers it, its going to be too late.

I use eco earth fiber substrate as part of my land area and would never put food on it. Gee, this fiber is really not small enough in case they ingest it, its ok for them to sit on and crawl thru but, it even has chunky pieces and small strands. Can't someone make ground up substrate for frogs? I had sand but took that out in case they ate that. I'd try indoor outdoor carpet maybe. Have Lowe's across the street and can see if they will sell a small amount. But, I have a feeling stores tell people its ok to use fish gravel with frogs and its not.

Oh, and mealworms don't last long and I discovered a store that was selling dead wax worms. They do not check them and container has no date. When I exchanged mine, discovered 8 out of 10 containers had dead worms, store acted like this was not a problem. They just don't care obviously. The mealworms I kept had oatmeal and a few drops of honey, and still died. They do have a hard shell! Thought I'd mention my findings to you. Do you find similar problems, too?

[flybyferns]

Thanks, it is sad if a frog has to suffer and vets for them are hard to find. I know we don't have exotic vets where I live. The cost would be alot even if we had one. If stores would give fact sheets and tell people what to do and what NOT to do with animals, this would not happen. I have stores giving me wrong advice too often. I did hear mealworms aren't good and the reasons why. Now I wonder if crickets are ok. But, if impaction then bowel obstruction, by the time the owner discovers it, its going to be too late.

I use eco earth fiber substrate as part of my land area and would never put food on it. Gee, this fiber is really not small enough in case they ingest it, its ok for them to sit on and crawl thru but, it even has chunky pieces and small strands. Can't someone make ground up substrate for frogs? I had sand but took that out in case they ate that. I'd try indoor outdoor carpet maybe. Have Lowe's across the street and can see if they will sell a small amount. But, I have a feeling stores tell people its ok to use fish gravel with frogs and its not.

Oh, and mealworms don't last long and I discovered a store that was selling dead wax worms. They do not check them and container has no date. When I exchanged mine, discovered 8 out of 10 containers had dead worms, store acted like this was not a problem. They just don't care obviously. The mealworms I kept had oatmeal and a few drops of honey, and still died. They do have a hard shell! Thought I'd mention my findings to you. Do you find similar problems, too?

Very true!

[Hoppity100]

I know, I notice things like this. Also a store that makes excuses about not giving their hamsters a wheel.