My 2 Cents

[flybyferns]

This is actually a copy of a current post of mine from elsewhere. We were discussing the loss of a frog after a very responsible member tried so hard to save it. I think it's important enough to post here and share:

This is in recognition of the many, many, many highly respected members that provide loving and expert care for their charges.

This is, also, in recognition of the sad things we read about ( the ones that could have been avoided ) , and the need for a better understanding of what these responsibilities are. Recently , I had a friend bring me 2 imitators she owned for 48 hours. "She changed her mind" Sad, very sad.

Here’s my 2 cents on stress ( yes stress) on our wild caught and captive bred frogs. I would really like to spend more time on this ---but my regular ‘responsibilities” are calling me. This is based on my personal experiences. Here are a few , simple, day-to-day things I see – too often ! Having said that, there is so, so, much more that has an impact on why people may or may not be able to care for them properly; well beyond the scope of this, my post. It’s human nature!

What goes into keeping our frogs healthy and ‘stress’ free is “more than what meets the eye.”
One may go to a show, a pet sore, an expo, and buy a frog, having NEVER read one single piece of information regarding its care. “How hard could it be ? It’s just a frog. It’s only $ 6.99. Look !, they have 10 in that tank; I’ll get five. They will keep each other company. “ Then there is the purchase of the enclosure. Yikes $$$ Often, this ends up being the improper size and orientation.

Then, with the very best intentions, there are most of us that buy them and often think our good care will be the end to their struggles? We pour over care sheets and obsess with trying to make things perfect, because we love them. Sadly, the problem only starts here as many sold in the pet trade and expos are anything but healthy. How many time have we read on FF -of a respected member- losing a frog after trying so hard to keep it healthy !!!

Consider the massive amount of other variables that , sadly, lead to their demise.
Add to this list the massive amount of often conflicting information to do so properly! I’m sure I’ve left some out.
Below ....commonly found list of issues:
-Improperly maintained humidity levels
-Poorly or improperly kept water sources
-Improper temperatures
-Improper lighting (day/night cycles, UVA/B when required)
-Wrong choice of suitable and safe substrate (depth, type etc).
-Poor cleaning and disinfecting of the enclosure, substrate, and furnishings
-Inconsistent monitoring of equipment needed to maintain the enclosure
-Improper maintenance and size of feeders
-The improper use of and lack of the use of calcium /nutritional supplements
-Irregular observation of the frog that leads to missing the detection and early signs of stress or (ill health) which delays prompt intervention.
-Lack of prompt intervention by a qualified herp vet.

Here are some ‘scientific ‘articles regard the effect of stress on the health of frogs. I spend an enormous amount of time researching how stress impacts the immune systems of frogs which leads to their ill health.

It’s quite easy to find this information. Often, it can be complicated. Try to enjoy it anyway ! Try to read through. Every time you might read a ‘scientific research article’ you will come away with having learned something new. It’s never wasted time ! If it’s not specific to the topic you intended, simply move on.

Stress in the wild: about the negative effect of temperature changes -article below
<One of the major questions in ecology is how environmental factors influence the dynamics of parasitism and disease in natural populations. A case in point is that environmental factors have been implicated in the emergence of new and more severe amphibian diseases>
http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/p/...al_Ecology.pdf

Stress, over a frog’s lifespan , seems to hsve an impact on their immune system and their overall nutritional status as well. It's not clear how this effect of stress can may make them sick, however. We need to continue to support our passionate scientists! For example, like with humans, stress activates parts of the immune system can which cause inflammation in the body. “Inflammation in the body”; sounds simple, right! It’s not. This is not merely the inflammation ( or swelling) we see if we have an injury. It is related to an inflammatory process in the body that leads to diseases. In humans this would be major diseases like, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Good research articles:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...9564330400354X

http://www.mcdb.lsa.umich.edu/labs/d.../CBP141381.pdf

In captivity, are frogs have to adjust to enormous obstacles from the day when they are born in captivity:

http://link.springer.com/article/10....%3A273?LI=true

Some others:
searched words <“Sources of stress in captive frogs “
Oh ! Thank goodness for the www.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...68159106001997

Here is a link to articles on stress, specifically, in captive amphibians… Complements of Google:

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=...%2C33&as_vis=1

I believe we should all keep trying, and, NEVER underestimate the important impact we ( non-scientists) have on the ongoing knowledge and proper husbandry of our captive friends ! We matter and WE can make a difference !

My mission: I leave the wild ones there and –try very hard - to give the captive bred frogs a great home !

My FF quote :
>But if you tame me,
then we shall meet each other.
To me, you will be unique in all the world.
To you , I shall be unique in all the world.
You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.>

Antoine de Saint-Exupery
"Little Prince" chapter 21

Lynn