Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

  1. #1
    JP89
    Guest

    Default Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    My frog hasnt eaten in a while and up until recently that was the only issue. He has now been shedding excessively, pretty much everytime hes in a water bath. He is also bloated on his sides. I know some of you might think its toxic out syndrome but I always condition his water. I've done some research and found out that these are symptoms for chytrid fungus. I am just posting this to see if anyone has any input on this matter. Much appreciated.

  2. # ADS
    Circuit advertisement
     

  3. #2
    Moderator GrifTheGreat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Posts
    9,697
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    Quote Originally Posted by JP89 View Post
    My frog hasnt eaten in a while and up until recently that was the only issue. He has now been shedding excessively, pretty much everytime hes in a water bath. He is also bloated on his sides. I know some of you might think its toxic out syndrome but I always condition his water. I've done some research and found out that these are symptoms for chytrid fungus. I am just posting this to see if anyone has any input on this matter. Much appreciated.
    I'm not going to rule out chytrid, but there are several diseases as well as other problems this could be. Ill start with some questions for you to answer.

    1) What are the temps and humidity levels within the enclosure?

    2) You say you de-chlorinate your frogs water, but when you expand the substrate do you also use de-chlorinated water for the substrate?

    3) How long has it been since your frog has eaten?

    4) Do you dust your frog's food with a multivitamin once a week and a calcium supplement every other feeding also providing vitamin D3?

    5) What does the shed look like? Dry and flakey or just slimy looking strands? What color is the shed skin?

    6) Has your frog lost weight?

    7) What does the bloate feel like? Is it hard or soft?

    8) is your frog lathargic or listliss?

    9) When he sheds his skin on his own does he have trouble pulling it all off in one piece to his mouth?

    10) How often do you change his water and substrate?

    11) How long has it been since your frog pooped?

    Answer these questions as accurately as possible and keep me posted.


  4. #3
    JP89
    Guest

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    Quote Originally Posted by GrifTheGreat View Post
    I'm not going to rule out chytrid, but there are several diseases as well as other problems this could be. Ill start with some questions for you to answer.

    1) What are the temps and humidity levels within the enclosure?

    2) You say you de-chlorinate your frogs water, but when you expand the substrate do you also use de-chlorinated water for the substrate?

    3) How long has it been since your frog has eaten?

    4) Do you dust your frog's food with a multivitamin once a week and a calcium supplement every other feeding also providing vitamin D3?

    5) What does the shed look like? Dry and flakey or just slimy looking strands? What color is the shed skin?

    6) Has your frog lost weight?

    7) What does the bloate feel like? Is it hard or soft?

    8) is your frog lathargic or listliss?

    9) When he sheds his skin on his own does he have trouble pulling it all off in one piece to his mouth?

    10) How often do you change his water and substrate?

    11) How long has it been since your frog pooped?

    Answer these questions as accurately as possible and keep me posted.
    The temp on the hot side is at 85 and the cool side around 75. Humidity levels usually stay around 80%. Yes I use dechlorinated water for the substrate. Its been a couple of months and I wasn't too worried about that because he did the same thing last year during the same period of time. It gets cold here during the winter so I just thought it was a form of hibernation. He doesnt shed normally, usually when hes in the water i see pieces of slimey skin on him and i peel it off slowly. Other times i just see pieces floating in the water. The skin appear brown once peeled off. My frog didnt seem to lose weight but now I cant tell due to his bloated appearance. He feels squishy when I touch him. Hmmm I wouldnt say hes lethargic but he does move around once in a while. He seems very alert as well. Another thing is that he closes his eyes for long periods of time. As of right now I put him into a quarantine tank with paper towel. I changed his substrate once a month and his water daily or when soiled. He hasn't pooped in a long time since he hasnt eaten in a while. I force fed him a couple of weeks ago and he ate the worms. But now when I try to force feed him he just spits it out. I dont think its impaction because his belly doesnt have any form of a hard lump. Hope this answers all fo your questions. Thanks for the help

  5. #4
    Moderator GrifTheGreat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Posts
    9,697
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    Quote Originally Posted by JP89 View Post
    The temp on the hot side is at 85 and the cool side around 75. Humidity levels usually stay around 80%. Yes I use dechlorinated water for the substrate. Its been a couple of months and I wasn't too worried about that because he did the same thing last year during the same period of time. It gets cold here during the winter so I just thought it was a form of hibernation. He doesnt shed normally, usually when hes in the water i see pieces of slimey skin on him and i peel it off slowly. Other times i just see pieces floating in the water. The skin appear brown once peeled off. My frog didnt seem to lose weight but now I cant tell due to his bloated appearance. He feels squishy when I touch him. Hmmm I wouldnt say hes lethargic but he does move around once in a while. He seems very alert as well. Another thing is that he closes his eyes for long periods of time. As of right now I put him into a quarantine tank with paper towel. I changed his substrate once a month and his water daily or when soiled. He hasn't pooped in a long time since he hasnt eaten in a while. I force fed him a couple of weeks ago and he ate the worms. But now when I try to force feed him he just spits it out. I dont think its impaction because his belly doesnt have any form of a hard lump. Hope this answers all fo your questions. Thanks for the help
    Does he have any lesions or sores on his skin?

    Hmmm if he feels squishy would you say it feels like he is full of liquid?

    You can treat a bloat with salt water, but you have to use salt that doesn't contain iodine. Sea salt is best. You can prepare a bath of luke warm to warm water. Just under 80 degrees. You can disolve 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon of sea salt disolved in the water before soaking him. Make sure the water is no deeper than up to his chin.

    Without a specialist to test samples of the skin it is hard to diagnose chytrid. I can't be sure. Jessica from IvoryReptiles can also assist in this issue. Hopefully she will see this post and give me a hand helping you.


  6. #5
    IvoryReptiles
    Guest

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    If you suspect the Chytrid Fungus is the issue, then I suggest you treat him for it. It is a very simple treatment and only takes 10 days.

    This link has some great info : Chytrid Fungus « Amphibian Ark

    Here is a method of treatment :

    You need to get Lamisil AT spray (don’t get the paste) only. This is a foot fungus remedy for people found at most drug stores...

    You need 1ml of the spray to 200 ml of treated water (approx 10 squirts ( 1ml) of spray into the treated water approx (6 1/2 ounzes) )........

    Using a small plastic throw away type cup (any will do as long as you can get rid of it after). Place enough of the solution to cover most of the frog.

    The trick here is to mist his head after he is in the cup or splash him or even a quick dunk of his head by turning the cup.. (whatever is easiest just don’t dunk him under for long)... You only need to insure all of him gets the solution....

    The dip is for 5 min so insure all the water etc is room temp or slightly warm the water before solution is added..this is just for the remainder of the frogs body... not the head... ( just do the head first and then let him stay in the solution for the 5 min dip)

    While he is dipping this is a good time to clean the tank out....mist the solution in the tank and wipe out...no rinse required... Everything in the tank must be wiped with the solution... Then new paper towel replaced and items put back....

    The treatment is for 10 days..... It must be followed to the T....


    *Insure as you go that your hands are also kept clean from cross contamination... So when removing frog and putting in dish..wash your hands before going to the tank etc..
    Some use gloves...

    ** The solution when mixed is only good for around 30 hours and then its potency decreases. Its supposed to last say 3 days of treatment.
    I prefer a fresh solution each day but thats up to you... Fresh cup for the solution for the dip is vital.

    *** So far no ill effects have been found with this method. It has proven effective however in killing the fungi.. You may notice more shed as with any treatment of medication dip...

    **** Never place back plants or earth without sterilizing them.... I would just throw them. There is a heat method for plants but it does kill some.... To me its just not worth the risk... I would rather buy new plants and replant into sterile earth (cooked) and plants washed so insure they don’t carry the fungi. It has been found at the bottom of ponds...

    You can do multiple frogs easily also by using a bunch of cups and cleaning out enclosures...
    This is from info on ReptileZone.com .

  7. #6
    JP89
    Guest

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    Quote Originally Posted by GrifTheGreat View Post
    Does he have any lesions or sores on his skin?

    Hmmm if he feels squishy would you say it feels like he is full of liquid?

    You can treat a bloat with salt water, but you have to use salt that doesn't contain iodine. Sea salt is best. You can prepare a bath of luke warm to warm water. Just under 80 degrees. You can disolve 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon of sea salt disolved in the water before soaking him. Make sure the water is no deeper than up to his chin.

    Without a specialist to test samples of the skin it is hard to diagnose chytrid. I can't be sure. Jessica from IvoryReptiles can also assist in this issue. Hopefully she will see this post and give me a hand helping you.
    He has two tiny sores but they seem like they have healed over. I never noticed them. They aren't red or brighly coloured, they have a very light pink hue to them.Yes, he feels like hes full of water. I can partially see through his underside and it seems like a clear liquid.I've tried the saltwater treatment and I dont see any difference. I actually think he got a bit larger after the initial soak. Must I do these soaks on a daily basis ? Also regarding the chytrid treatment, I was preparing to have him treated with that exact remedy but I soon found out that lamisil AT is a prescribed medication here.

  8. #7
    IvoryReptiles
    Guest

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    There are other treatments as well, one uses an eye ointment.....Google "Chytrid Fungus Treatments" there are many articles out there. Lamasil is an over the counter foot fungus treatment in the US, I had no idea it was prescription only in your area.

  9. #8
    JP89
    Guest

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    Quote Originally Posted by IvoryReptiles View Post
    There are other treatments as well, one uses an eye ointment.....Google "Chytrid Fungus Treatments" there are many articles out there. Lamasil is an over the counter foot fungus treatment in the US, I had no idea it was prescription only in your area.
    Seems like most of the treatments online are prescription drugs. Think I found one that might not be but I'll have to look into it. I also found some info on using fish fungal treatments to treat chytrid on frogs. Just wondering if anyone thinks that its worth a shot to try out. They also mentioned heat treatment but I dnt support the idea of raising the water temperature with my frog in it above 35 degrees for an extended period of time.

  10. #9
    Moderator GrifTheGreat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Posts
    9,697
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    Quote Originally Posted by JP89 View Post
    Seems like most of the treatments online are prescription drugs. Think I found one that might not be but I'll have to look into it. I also found some info on using fish fungal treatments to treat chytrid on frogs. Just wondering if anyone thinks that its worth a shot to try out. They also mentioned heat treatment but I dnt support the idea of raising the water temperature with my frog in it above 35 degrees for an extended period of time.
    If the salt water bath doesn't help with the bloat stop doing it try it one more time to see if it helps. Sometimes it takes a few soaks to help, but if he gets larger again stop. The bad thing with water retention is that it can also be a sign of kidney disease which I hope that it is not. A vet that specializes in amphibians could diagnose kidney disease as well as try and give you more advice on treating your frog or treat your frog him/herself. Bloating can be very bad. There is also a disease called Dropsy that is fluid retention within different parts of the body.

    Post some photos of your frog if you can so we can see what he looks like. Try different angles and above and below as well as side to side.


  11. #10
    JP89
    Guest

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    Quote Originally Posted by GrifTheGreat View Post
    If the salt water bath doesn't help with the bloat stop doing it try it one more time to see if it helps. Sometimes it takes a few soaks to help, but if he gets larger again stop. The bad thing with water retention is that it can also be a sign of kidney disease which I hope that it is not. A vet that specializes in amphibians could diagnose kidney disease as well as try and give you more advice on treating your frog or treat your frog him/herself. Bloating can be very bad. There is also a disease called Dropsy that is fluid retention within different parts of the body.

    Post some photos of your frog if you can so we can see what he looks like. Try different angles and above and below as well as side to side.
    I have sad news, Luigi died last night. I appreciate the help and attention given in this matter. Thanks alot

  12. #11
    Moderator GrifTheGreat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Posts
    9,697
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    I am so sorry for you loss. It is always hard to lose a pet. I wish there was more we could have done to help. RIP Luigi.


  13. #12
    Moderator Mentat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    Virginia Beach, VA USA
    Posts
    5,939
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: Pacman frog emergency-excessive shedding, bloated, hasnt eaten in a long time

    I'm very sorry for Luigi's death. Saw your post today but had little to add to Grif or Jessica's sound advice.

    Not sure if frogs osmotic systems are like fish; but many people are confused about salt and it's effect on them. If you suspect the organism is retaining water, adding salt (NaCl) to water is counter-productive. What you can do is add Epsom Salts (Magnesium sulfate) at rate of 1 tablespoon per 5 gal. of conditioned water and that will help ease water bloating (also used as a laxative for fish). Be aware if organism has lost renal functions (i.e. advanced case of dropsy) it's doomed.

    Also, recommend not placing all trust in a bottle of water conditioner; they are chemicals that lose potency with time or need to be double or triple dosed in some locations. I learned that lesson when doing full water changes on betta jars and almost lost 6 fish. The bottle of conditioner was almost empty (exp. date was good) and a test for Cl (I use Red Sea's Cl test kit) proved positive. Since then use Seachem's Vitro Alpha with great results and test my conditioners every quarter.

    If you suspect Chytrid Fungus, would throw away all substrate and organic or porous decorations can't sterilize. Then wipe tank, cover, plastic decor, and anything non-absorbent with a new cellulose sponge or similar soaked in unscented clorox (wear eye protection/gloves, old clothing and do in ventilated place). Let it be for around an hour or until clorox evaporates and then do a couple water rinses with tap water and a final one with water over treated by conditioner 4X the standard dose. I've done this before and used tank/decor with fish & frogs with no problems. Good luck!
    Remember to take care of the enclosure and it will take care of your frog !​

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Tikonides' Albino Pacman Frog Shedding 10/05/2011
    By tikonides in forum Pacman Frogs
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: October 8th, 2011, 09:45 PM
  2. Pacman emergency! Plz help
    By akbomb4 in forum Pacman Frogs
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: June 22nd, 2011, 01:17 AM
  3. Pacman Emergency :(
    By demeteraurion in forum Pacman Frogs
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: June 21st, 2011, 03:10 AM
  4. Long time setup
    By Tropicok in forum Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: March 5th, 2010, 03:39 PM
  5. How long the digest time of pacman frog??
    By Hw in forum Pacman Frogs
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: January 17th, 2010, 12:50 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •