If you have found a bloated amphibian that is dead this is likely to have occurred after death (especially if it died in the pond) rather than being a symptom of something that killed it. They will ‘deflate’ when the perceived threat has passed. Toads also inflate themselves as a defence mechanism (to make them look too large to eat). Symptoms often appear to subside over time but, again, a vet may be able to help by draining the fluid. This unusual bloating is thought to be related to a hormonal imbalance which pulls water into the frog’s body causing it to swell. The bloating is apparent all over body of the frog, rather that only the belly (which indicates the animal is carrying eggs or has a digestive problem). Sometimes Froglife receives reports of frogs (or other amphibians) that become noticeably bloated. Unless a vet is able to help with this (which may not be possible) the outcome is, unfortunately, not good for these animals. Try contacting a vet about this as they may be able to release the eggs most vets treat wild animals for free but do ring to check first, also many may not be confident treating amphibians.Ī swollen amphibian may also be indicative of a blockage in the gut. Occasionally, a bloated amphibian could be a female that is egg-bound – where eggs get stuck in the reproductive system. This is natural and they normally return to a smaller size once they have spawned. Swollen individuals could be carrying eggs, have an infection that’s caused them to take on water or have an intestinal blockage.įemale amphibians become noticeably swollen with eggs in spring. I’ve found a frog with grey/white bumps on the skin, what’s wrong? If your cat brings home a live amphibian, return it to the garden if it seems uninjured or if you notice a number of frogs becoming thin and lethargic during the summer, please see the information on amphibian disease ranavirus. Often these incidences are isolated but please get in touch if you have any concerns ideally include photos of the situation so we can try and determine what’s going on. If possible, move them to somewhere in the garden where they are protected from predators and weather extremes. Unfortunately there’s often nothing that can be done to treat these animals and it’s just a case of keeping them out of harms way whilst they recover (if they can). You may also see weak or thin amphibians post-breeding or during periods of very dry weather. We hear about amphibians with ‘milky’ eyes, growths on the skin and a particularly nasty condition called ‘toad fly’ (see above). Occasionally you may come across frogs or toads that have picked up an injury or illness. Like all living things, frogs and toads can suffer from a variety of illnesses and diseases – unfortunately these can be difficult to treat. I’ve found an ill frog/toad, how can I help it? Please remember that amphibians are small, vulnerable creatures and it is unlikely that a severely damaged animal will be treated successfully. Wildlife hospitals are more likely to be able to offer assistance – the RSPCA may be able to help locate your nearest wildlife hospital. Most vets treat wild animals for free but ring to check first. If you think that an animal is seriously injured contact your local vet – though unfortunately they’re often unable to help with treating injured amphibians unless they have a specialism or interest in this field. Injuries such as skin abrasions should heal fairly quickly, so moving the animal to a quiet place, where it can recover and forage easily, will increase its chances of survival. Unfortunately there’s nothing you can do to help toads in this condition. This is the result of ‘toad fly’ – there is a species of green-bottle fly that lays its eggs on the head of a toad and, once the eggs hatch, the maggots will crawl up the toad’s nostrils and begin eating the soft tissue in the nose and head. Make sure it has the option to move to another part of the garden, should it want to.ĭuring the summer, you may come across Common Toads that look as though they have a head injury – the face may look as if its caving in and it may be making a clucking noise as it breathes. Dense foliage, dead wood or a compost heap are good places. If the injury appears slight and the animal is active and able to move freely, then it’s best to just move the amphibian to a sheltered part of the garden, away from the view of predators (such as cats and birds) and extreme weather so it can recover on it’s own. Visit the Garden Wildlife Health website. You can also join the Garden Wildlife Health project and report your sighting of a dead or diseased amphibian. It is often difficult to treat amphibians – place it in a sheltered part of the garden to recover or contact a vet for further advice.
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