Selecting a Baby Pacman on Pet Stores

[Mentat]

A forum’s member stressful experience with his Pacman baby had me thinking about what I’ve seen in local shops throughout the year . Following discussion is based in my observations at 4 different chain pet stores and 2 additional non-chain local pet shops in my area. Also discussed are three known Pacman frog ailments: Toxin Out Syndrome, Metabolic Bone Disease; and Water Edema Syndrome . The included warning signs, will hopefully help members minimize the risk of acquiring a troubled animal. There is no discussion of treatments, because the goal of this write-up is to help you not get the unhealthy frog to begin with .

From the size of some frogs arriving locally this year; these frogs recently absorbed their tails. We can hope they started eating before being shipped; but maybe not . In a perfect captive world, metamorphosed baby Pacman frogs would receive proper care, food, and a stress free environment . In the real world they get sold to distributors and shipped to local pet store (LPS). When they finally arrive at local stores, baby Pacmans are sometimes placed in the wrong substrates (water, moss or chips), fed the wrong foods (crickets and pinkies the size of frog), and given no supplements . So let’s discuss the possible health issues that could affect the baby frog one by one; and then associate those with store care and maintenance methods.

Toxin Out Syndrome (TOS). This is a big threat to baby Pacman frogs kept with water dishes or in an aquatic environment . As we know, frogs don’t drink water, they absorb it through the skin. If that water is contaminated with urine, feces, or dead feeders; those toxins will go into the frog and it will become poisoned. Babies instincts won't realize water is poisoning them and will stay in the soiled water dish; or being kept in water, they can’t get out . TOS frogs will jump erratically, suffer spasms, and eventually become unable to move and perish ! Even if placed in clean water and recovered; the internal organs (Kidneys, etc.) can suffer permanent damage leading to other serious issues like WES (discussed below). So how do you spot TOS? Look at frog water dish and see if clean. A Pacman frog should be alert and react to handling . A listless frog with little to no reaction from enclosure movement or handling is a possible signal from TOS damage. IMO, baby Pacmans should not be kept with water baths in the enclosures . Daily changed damp unprinted paper towels (as in a hospital set-up) will provide humidity and are safer. Two stores in my area keep baby Pacmans in critter keepers with water to half their bodies submerged and a little stone, that is supposed to be used by animal to dry out . It’s common to see dirty water due to dead crickets, feces, and we know there’s urine there too .

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). In captivity frogs need supplemental CA/D3 . If not supplied the frogs physiology will draw CA from its bones and they will become soft and deformed . Signs to look for include a droopy lower jaw, failure to eat, muscle twitching, listlessness, and bone deformities. If you suspect MDB, ask the store employee what do they feed the frog with. If they don’t mention supplements; most probable they do not use them. Also, if store Pacman’s are kept in water; most probable they are not receiving additional CA/D3 supplements with feeders. Baby Pacmans are in a growing stage and for that to happen, need proper nourishment and supplements. Not receiving it's needs will result in chronic problems like deformities and internal organ damage. Frogs kept in water over slippery bottoms (glass or plastic) can also develop hip issues over time .

Water Edema Syndrome (WES). When a frog suffers edema, it will swell up with fluid due to kidney damage and losing the ability to regulate water in it’s body . This fluid will “give” when touched and neither feel solid (meat) or squishy (air from puffing). If you carefully move the enclosure, will actually see the fluid in frog moving like jelly. Symptoms will usually begin near the rear legs and spread from there. Two causative agents are dirty water (see TOS) and keeping Pacman’s in too cool temperatures. Even if causes are corrected and frog recovers; the organ damage is permanent and those frogs will usually live a short life . Appears other organs, like the frog’s Lymph Hearts, are damaged too, and can contribute to edema .

Hope this information helps some of you picking a healthier Pacman in a store or show. The other option is to mail order from a breeder and although have not done so before; think my next Pacman will be sourced that way, good luck !