New fire belly but seems to have a problem?? help??

[froggylove]

Hi, I just bought two fire belly toads from the pet store. Curtis seems to be doing fine, but Special Ed is a little off. He tilts his head to the left side and his one eye is slightly clouds I think? He eats normally, but i'm worried. i don't know whether I should quarantine him (they also live peacefully with two green tree frogs). I came across a post about something called head tilt, but I could not find any information on it. He is pretty docile (doesn't mind being held) but i'm not sure if that's lethargy.

I know its always a gamble buying pets from the pet store (especially big corp ones) but I have no money to take him to vet (as I receive SSI/SSD and get 200 a month from my assisted living people). I have had my tree frogs for over four months and they are doing great, im just not sure about poor special ed

Does anyone know what could be wrong or have any advice? At first I thought he was blind in the one eye. Its not to filmed over, but he definitely doesn't see through it. He is a hungry fella, and is the only one experiencing it since the day I brought him home.

Thanks!

[Ajuki]

Would you be able to post pictures for us?

[Mentat]

Hi Erin and welcome to FF! Really wish you had joined before and tell us about the FBTs prior to adding them to your American Green Tree Frog enclosure. Right now you have several issues to deal with and sadly; I'm not the bearer of good news .

In your situation my first recommendation is to return the FBT's to the store (if Petsmart or Petco they have a return policy) and I will explain why. The FBTs can't share the enclosure with the Tree Frogs. FBTs produce a toxic substance that will poison the water in enclosure and the American Green Tree Frog's are going to be affected by it when they soak in water. By the time symptoms show up; damage will be done to their internal organs and you will see them perish.

Other options would be to move the FBTs out into their own enclosure. If you decide to do so; do it fast. Here is a good article about providing proper care for FBT's: Frog Forum - Fire-Bellied Toad Care and Breeding - Bombina orientalis and relatives. Please do read it and use information to help set-up a tank for them.

Now we have a couple health issues to deal with. First, one of your FBT's is sick, probably with a bacterial infection. Curing that one will cost $ buying meds and could become $$$ if veterinary care is needed. Among other things would need to set-up a quarantine/hospital tank for it. To simplify things could keep both FBT's together for treatment. The simplest treatment would be to use Melafix, available at most pet shops in the fish section. If that treatment does not work, antibiotics will be required. Since you mentioned veterinary care is not an option; we could try to use Maracyn Plus which is effective to both Gram + and - bacteria.

Other issue is that, since there was no quarantine practiced, your other FBT, the GTFs, and their whole enclosure could be contaminated with it. Hopefully their immune system is OK and they will be able to surpass this. Fot the GTFs; recommend you replace their bath water 2X a day with dechlorinated tap; so they can detox out. Also, be on the lookout for any signs of disease (abnormal behaviour, feeding changes, etc).

Let us know what you decide about FBT's. If keeping FBT's; then get the Melafix; I'll provide a treatment plan. Sorry again and good luck !

[froggylove]

Thanks, I will post a pic and vid tomorrow of Ed. Its so weird, like neurological or something. @mentat, thanks, I moved them into a temporary tank, and i told the pet store worker that they shouldn't be housed together. Ive found several things that argue you can, but I will keep on the safe side. I love my greens too much to risk them <3 I will buy the melafix when I get money in a few days, but i would like to know what you think when I post the video. I will be back tomorrow, thanks again for the heads up!