Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All, I'm really bummed tonight because I just found my favorite american toad has something wrong with him. I'll be talking to a vet tomorrow about it (its a little after midnight so there isn't anything I can do right now) but I was wondering if anyone else had this situation happen to them.
From what I can tell it does indeed look like its back leg has some sort of joint problem. He can't stretch his leg out straight but can bend at the 'knee' part. At first I thought it was an impaction of some sort because its one side of his vent was puffy and hard- now i just think that is his leg out of joint.
I'm just real upset and I'm hoping for the best. The one thing about having pets that is sucky is that someday you know you will see them die. I have hoped to have all my toads live for a very long time. (I have four year olds and three year olds.) I'm scared this vet won't know what he's doing and will end up killing him instead of helping, though he is recomended on a herp/vet list.
*SIGH*! -Laurah
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-Laurah

Hmm,sorry ,well keep us posted on how hes doing.

*SIGH* I talked with some local vets about seeing if they can help me with my toad. Well, all I got were laughs.. like they couldn't believe I'd even bother with a TOAD! I know that to most people toads are just those things you accidently run over on the road and don't care about, but to me they are my pets and I love them! This is really disheartening because this toad is one of my favourites. I guess people just don't understand the attachment that happens when you care for a creature for this long. I feel so stupid for even asking for help. The good news is though that my toad seems to be doing fine otherwise. He's moving around dispite the fact that he's not able to move much of his one leg. He's even eating still. Does anyone think I should try and pop the leg back into it's joint? I really wouldn't know what I was doing but if I can't find a vet to help I may just try. I also wish I knew how this happened so that I might be able to prevent. I kind of think that perhaps another toad mistook his foot for food and tried to eat it in which caused a struggle and therefore twisted his leg out of joint. Just REALLY upset and worried over this.
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-Laurah

Wait,ummm do you sprinkle your toads crickets with calcium?The problem could be his bones are becoming soft and he could have mettalic bone disease.

Wait,ummm do you sprinkle your toads crickets with calcium?The problem could be his bones are becoming soft and he could have mettalic bone disease.

I have been doing this for 3 1/2 years. I dust with both a calcium supplement and a vitamin supplement mix. I go ligher on the calcium since the vitamin supplement has that in it too. I don't want to over do it since I heard that could cause problems.. Or is that what you are trying to say?
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-Laurah

I am so sorry that you were laughed at, that's just sad. Check out this site Click on "members" then state and such and it will give you a list of Herp Vets in your area.
Link

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Heather

I've seen that webpage before and already I've spoken with the ONLY doctor that is available in this area. He doesn't take toads, just the usual reptillian amphib pets like turtles, iguanas, and snakes.
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-Laurah

Some folks can be really insensitive! I'm sorry you had to be on the receiving end of an unhelpful vet. Please don't feel stupid for asking for help for your beloved friend. The vet's behavior is more of a commentary on his ability as a vet then a comentary on the validity of your concern. Its taken me 25 years to come back to this hobby simply because loss of our pets can be so difficult. But, Laura, if your children see you truly care about your Toad as you do, they will learn the value of attachment and be willing to risk loving others in their lives even if it hurts at times. Hoping the best for you.

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I had a similar experience when my toad got red leg disease. None of the vets in my area wanted anything to do with any amphibian.
I found a toad on the road last spring that was run over. He had one leg broken and the other leg cut open with ligament damage. He was not a happy toad for about a month and a very picky eater. He has recovered and is much happier. He is still picky. HE doesn’t hop any more but gets around very well by crawling.
I live near a swamp and can get you any of several varieties of toads or frogs.