Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I inherited a wild caught squirrel frog ( Hyla squirella) from a friend a few months back that has now developed an eye ulcer/infection. Not fully sure what it is. It does not respond to topical ointments for fungal infection, and is not on the cornea/lense, but on the margin of the eye moving towards the center. It has not grown or expanded. It is thickened, and white colored. It does not impair the frogs activity or feeding and seems to not be causing it pain. The frog has been in captivity for 4 years and was mature at its capture, in southern Florida, so it is probably near the end of its life span. Basically, I am wondering if anyone has experienced this problem with a captive frog before, or has any suggestions. I live in an area devoid of herp. vets with any ability to treat this.
I have already checked the terrarium for mold/fungus or irritants. The co-inhabitant of the tank, a CB Polyedates sp. has no apparent health issues. Both frogs are active and eager eaters, and share a water bath.
Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Has there been any changes? I wouldn't be concerned if it's not getting worse and is not affecting the habits of the frog. A picture might change my opinion. Is it possibly fat accumulation from an overly well fed frog? Does it appear to be an open wound or ulcerative at all?

Are they in a natural vivarium or a more sterile type enclosure?

Ian

Unfortunately, it has been increasing in size and is now begining to cover the pupil. It could be a fat accumulation, but I have not changes his feeding schedule/amount from that of his previuos owner. My frogs are housed in a natural vivarium, with potted plants, moss, and madagascar hissing roaches (juveniles, which from my reading and knowledge, do not carry funus that is associated with irritation). Plus, the frog developed this prior to introduction of the juv. roaches.
I will try to get a picture uploaded. THe eye does not appear to be ulcerated, and there is no discharge or weeping. He continues to eat, be active and swim, so he can't b in too much distress.
thanks again for you input!

If it's just eating inverts, then a fatty accumulation isn't likely. The hissing roaches shouldn't be much of a risk unless they run out of decaying stuff to eat. Eye trauma is the most likely thing, and it appears larger as the frog rub's it and makes it worse. If it's not affecting your frog now, it will eventually as it continually gets worse.
I can think of nothing that you can do to help your frog for this matter. A herp vet really should be consulted, or at least a vet with access to consultation of a herp vet (www.vin.com for a non-herp vet is a must). It'll probably mean a bit of a drive for you but I think it'd be worth it. The right medications or for worse, eye amputation, will set this frog up for a marked improvement. You don't want to wait for the condition to make the animal sick before you seek a vet.
I wish I could help you further; begin with www.arav.com in your search for a herp vet. Then ask around at herp clubs, petstores... even zoos.

Take care and keep us updated

Ian