Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Inspected my male milk frog last night (for the first time) to be shocked to find he recently had 2 of his toes missing on his hind leg, with a small portion of his foot. The wound has practically healed already (incredible), it must have happened in the past 3 days.

This must have been caused by leaving small locusts in the cage, and one must have been near the males foot when the female struck, and most likely grabbed the foot as well. As anyone who keeps this species may knopw, they have quite a powerful bite, and often try to eat leaves with the food item they have struck at. Therefore, I suggest you don't leave spare food items with this species when there is more than one in the cage. Hopefully this was just a freak occurence, and is not the norm. I would welcome anyone elses input into this. How good are these frogs at regeneration? In newts and salamanders they can grow new legs, but was wondering if this may happen with this guy?

The male is eating very well thankfully, and was calling last night so hopefully nothing will come of it. Needless to say he has been separated for the time being.

Thanks for listening!

Rob,

Unfortunately, adult anurans cannot regenerate limbs; however, tadpoles can (which doesn't help you but is interesting to know).

If the wound looks healed and is no longer open I would not worry too much about infection. This species seems pretty tough and hearty. I had one juvenile almost completely swallow another smaller juvenile when I wasn't watching them eat. I managed to pull the little guy out (very slowly and carefully) with no ill effect. I have also had one juvenile prolapse its vent and I had no sugar in my house to use to try and get it to ease back in. I had to go to a neighbors house to borrow sugar....she didn't ask why (thank goodness)I needed it. It didn't work completely and I had to get smooth forceps to try and gently push the vent back in. I felt so bad for the animal since I fed it too large of prey and this was a consequence of it. Plus, I felt like some sort of sexual deviant putting this back in...lol.

Anyway, if he is still eating and calling then he must be ok.

Cheers
-----
Justin
stk18119@loki.stockton.edu

D.auratus (Costa Rican, Nicaraguan)
D.leucomelas
D.tinctorius (lorenzo, yellowback, citro, pb, oyopock,etc.)
D.azureus
D.ventrimaculatus (yellow/gold)
D.pumilio (blue jeans, solid red)
P.aurotaenia (narrow bands/green)
P.bicolor
E.tricolor (Santa Isabel)
H. leucophyllata
P. hypochondrialis azurea
P. resinifictrix
A. caladryas
etc.......

Thanks Justin,
Thought it couldn't happen, just wasn't too sure about the toes. He's eating very well, and whilst there is a bit of swelling it seems to be under control. Incidentally, have you noticed how they seem to require more ventilation than other treefrogs (that I've dealt with anyway); my female actually developed some sores on her hind foot; but she is in a much more ventilated viv and they have almost gone. Won't make that mistake again. Both are doing very well except for this, quite good for some imports. Eating and calling so I'm trying not to worry lol.

Thanks again, and I'd love to know how your's are doing.

Rob