Help!

[Rana99]

Hi, I'm a pretty new frog owner. I have a sick African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). She is about 3 years old and is my best friend. I'm willing to do anything I have to to make her feel better. Basically, she has developed a lump on her right shoulder. I've posted a picture below, let me know if you need a better one. She's been slightly lethargic and her appetite has slowed, although that might be the weather. It's smack in the middle of winter where I live. I bought her some crickets ad some worms, so I'm hoping it will help. If any of you can help or know someone or somewhere I can seek some help, it would be much appreciated. I don't want to lose my best friend. Thank you!

[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF! Sorry your frog is not well . Does that swelling feel gel like and filled with fluid or is it solid like flesh? If fluid like; it can help to do a large (50%) water change and add 1 tsp. of Epsom Salts per gallon of water to try and get fluid out. A Herp veterinary could also drain fluid out. If it feels solid, it's possibly a tumor and recommend take it to a Herp vet. Can find one using either of these links: Herp Vet Connection and Arav. Please answer the below questions to try and see other possible problems in enclosure. If taking frog to veterinary those questions will help provide info to vet about your frog. Good luck !

“Trouble in the Frog Enclosure”

The following information will be very helpful if provided when requesting assistance with either your frog or enclosure. To help with your questions, please utilize the below list and post the information in the proper forum area to get advice from FF members that keep the same frog. This will allow for little confusion and a faster more informed response.


1. Tank Size and volume of water in it (full, 1/2 filled, etc.)?


2. Number of inhabitants including all frogs and any fish?


3. Water source and any conditioner treatments?


4. Water Temperature and how is it heated (if so)?


5. Water chemistry levels: pH; Ammonia (NH3); Nitrites (NO2); Nitrates (NO3)? Note that if you do not have test kits, most aquariums/pet shops will do complimentary tests if you take a clean water sample.


6. Describe any filter system including model and media?[/COLOR]


7. Substrate type?


8. Tank set-up (plants (live or artificial), driftwood, hide outs and other decor? - How were things prepared prior to being put into the tank?


9. Main frog staple food and any treats? How often you feed?


10. CA, vitamins, and any other additives used (how often)?


11. Lighting set-up and hours it's used?


12. When is the last time frog ate?


13. Have you found poop lately?


14. A picture would be helpful including frog and tank (any including cell phone pics are fine).


15. How old is the frog?


16. How long have you owned him/her?


17. Is the frog wild caught or captive bred?


18. Any medications in the water (treatment dosis and for how long)?


19. Any salt in water (how much)?


20. Is the tank kept in a high or low traffic area?


21. Describe tank maintenance to include water changes, cleaning, media changes, etc.).


By Lynn(flybyferns), GrifTheGreat, and aquatic questions added by Carlos(Mentat)