Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What medicines should keep on hand for what ever I would have to deal with for my dart frogs?

aj
-----
Click Here to see my vivarium and steps on how to make a basic vivarium UPDATED 7.18.03 Now complete! All that is needed are some New River Tincs!

kungfu28181: My god. You are insane. -Mon Jun 30 21:41:05

I always keep a fresh bottle of electrolyte formula on hand. I have had to treat a couple of frogs in the past with electrolyte baths because of severe stress during shipping. In fact, I attribute both frogs' survival solely on the fact that they received these treatments. The formula usually expires within a month or so, but I usually keep a bottle for over 2 months before discarding it. Pedialyte is rather expensive ($6-7 a bottle) so I use the generic brand from Wal-mart. It usually only runs about $3 a bottle. Once you open it, however, it loses it viability within a few days.
-----
Randy
Lawrence, Kansas
1.1 Azureus
1.1 Cobalt
1.1 Fantasticus
2.2 Bastimentos Pumilio
2.4.1 Bri Bri Pumilio

ok ill look into that. Im hoping that wont be neccesary since ill be picking them up in person.

Is there any parasite medicins? or can those only be prescribed by a vet?

aj
-----
Click Here to see my vivarium and steps on how to make a basic vivarium UPDATED 7.18.03 Now complete! All that is needed are some New River Tincs!

kungfu28181: My god. You are insane. -Mon Jun 30 21:41:05

I really wouldn't worry about having any anti-parasitic medicine on hand. If your frogs are cb, then it will probably be (nearly) parasite-free. If they are wc and you want them to be treated (which isn't always necessary), I would suggest a vet visit. In order to properly treat the frog, the type of parasite must be identified before any treatment can be administered. There is a vet on frognet classifieds that treats poison frogs regularly. You can send in a fecal sample in the mail and he will prescribe/send you the proper treatment. As for the pedialyte, it's not a must, but it's nice to have around
-----
Randy
Lawrence, Kansas
1.1 Azureus
1.1 Cobalt
1.1 Fantasticus
2.2 Bastimentos Pumilio
2.4.1 Bri Bri Pumilio

well with pedialite (sp?) since once its open it doesnt last long like you said. If i need i ill just run to the drug store (i could litterly run there in like 5 minutes or drive in 2 minutes). If its closed ill go to my 24 hour krogers

if all else fails, WALL-MART! lol

thanks
aj
-----
Click Here to see my vivarium and steps on how to make a basic vivarium UPDATED 7.18.03 Now complete! All that is needed are some New River Tincs!

kungfu28181: My god. You are insane. -Mon Jun 30 21:41:05

As long as you don't open the Pedialite bottle, it will keep until the expiration date. Chances are, with picking up your frogs, you won't need it, but it's nice to have for other problems that may crop up.

As Randy says, you don't need parasite medications on hand. In the first place, any medication of the sort that will kill a lung fluke or an intestinal parasite is going to also be somewhat detrimental to your frog, and each type of parasite requires a different medication. You need a diagnosis first, and that requires a vet and some lab work. So never medicate dart frogs arbitrarily on a guess. Parasitic medications for animals are available without prescription. Farmers and aquarium people use them all the time with impunity. Aquarium fish are usually cheap and expendible, belly up at any opportunity anyway, so who knows how many have been killed by treatment vs. disease? I treat my horses with parasite medications three times a year because I know there is an ongoing bot and strongyle infection yearly, but I wouldn't dream of treating my dart frogs in the same "preventive" manner. It's a much more delicate matter.

Even if some parasites should continue to exist in captive bred frogs, there is a certain tolerance and control that occurs. Many animals, including reptiles and ambhibians can live perfectly peacefully with a certain parasite "load," as long as they aren't stressed by other diseases that compromise their immune systems. As long as you receive healthy frogs from a reputable breeder and no other serious stresses or injuries occur, I don't think parasites should be one of your immediate concerns.

As usual, I've taken several paragraphs to say just what Randy said in a few words. Sorry, I'm just that way.
-----
Patty
Lost River, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
3 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
4 D. leukomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos