Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is red leg? What are the symptoms? How does one avoid it?
Thank you for the info.

cara fusinato

I believe that red leg is caused by a bacteria, occuring when the amphibs environment becomes too dirty. I also think that red leg can be spotted by noticing just that - reddening of the legs, however there has been some controversy over the symptoms and when it is in fact a true case of "red leg", I'll let someone else answer that question more appropriately.

Best defense against red leg is to keep the tank nice and clean and to change the substrate every 2-3 weeks, although it depends on the animal being kept how often you need to mess with it.

Thank you = = I had a feeling it was some creeping crud from filth or too much moisture (or both). I rinse the substrate every couple weeks (he's pretty little still) with hot water and remove solids when seen and hopefully that will prevent troubles. Let me know if I am wrong.

Cara Fusinato

Red leg is caused by Aeromonas bacteria. They are always there in the tank, but when the tank is extremely dirty after allowing toxins to build up. Stress can cause the frogs to be affected by the bacteria as their immune system is weakened. Symptoms include lethargy, anorexia, spasms on the legs, general weakness, and SOMETIMES reddening of the legs. The red is really caused by the breaking of capillaries on the underside of the legs. This does not always show up though. As long as you keep the substrate clean and keep the temperatures appropriate, the frog should perfectly fine.
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aeromonads (Aeromonous and Pseudomonas) are the most commonly implicated bacteria in the causation of red leg but there are other species of bacteria that have been isolated from anurans that have shown symptoms of redleg.
Stress is a big risk factor as are inappropriate temperature swings (excessive highs and lows) and unclean cages.

Usually if it is not treated rapidly it can cause death within 48 hours of symptoms becoming evident.

Ed