Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I posted this over on the tree frog forum and didn't receive any replies. I was hoping maybe someone would see it here and have some suggestions. My little RETF died today and I hate to lose anymore if it is something related to the mites. Thanks so much. Teresa

Hi there! I'm new here and have a few questions. I have a variety of tree frogs, RETF, Surinam clowns, Panda bears, Peacocks, Tiger legs... All set up in seperate terrariums. Anyways, I took fecal samples to the vet from each terrarium to check for internal parasites because I have one RETF that has been having problems with rectal prolapse. The vet said that he didn't find any internal parasites, but he did find an ectoparasite red mite from all the samples. I have a couple frogs in quarantine right now and can see on the paper towels little tiny red specks which I am assuming are the mites. He gave me a medication called Ivermectin solution to give to all the frogs orally. I've been trying to find out some information about it and haven't had any luck. I can't find anything about frogs getting mites. And some of the things I've found about the medicine is that is can be really hard on snakes and reptiles, so I'm alittle worried about giving it to the frogs. He also told me that I need to clean out all the tanks, so now I'm wondering what I should use to make sure all the mites are gone. Any advice would be great. Thanks so much. Teresa

I'm not a professional so I'm just sharing with you what I know. Ivermectin (I think) is a heartworm medicine -- if I remember correctly. I used to work for a vet. I read something somewhere about how to rid the tanks of mites. I'll try to find it and send the web address to you. I think it said to dip the frogs in chlorinated water -- DON'T do that just because I think I read it. Definitely follow someone else's expert advice, as mine is not. More later.
Joann

Well, I've been looking. All I've found has been on eradicating mites from reptile habitats -- and all warn against use with amphibians. So, I'm not going to be much help at all. I did find some instructions for using the Ivermectin with reptiles. The website is http://www.icomm.ca/dragon/mitetick.htm
Sorry I can't help with this. Good luck with your little guys.
Joann

Thanks for checking for me Joann. That's the same problem I'm having. Everything I've found is for reptiles and snakes. There's absolutely nothing out there about treating frogs for mites. Thanks again, Teresa

I'll keep checking. Joann

Thank you Joann. Your help has been truly appreciated. Teresa

This is a website with educational material about parasites on reptiles and amphibians, but nothing about how to treat them.
Just interesting reading. Joann

http://www.fiu.edu/~acaten01/herpar.html

Hrmmm I've talked to a garden proffessional about this awhile ago and she claimed that there are are many species of mites and that most are only harmful to plants, and the odd species can be harmful to other organisms. I have also discovered that when a frog dies, the mites can swarm over the corpse decomposeing it, this does not mean that the mites killed the frog. NO I dont recomend useing what your vet gave you, usually the vet generalizes herps in 1 category and doesnt know about the permiability of frogs skin, IMO use a Biological cleanser, maybe try some Ladybugs or something that eats pests. Ill try to think of more solutions for you later, GL

Thanks for your response. I think I am going to hold off on the meds until I can find a definite answer. I can't help but wonder how extensive the vet's knowledge is of frogs. I keep wondering if maybe the mites are just harmless and treating them would cause more harm than good. Hopefully I'll find the answer soon! Thanks again. Teresa