Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had a pair of female frogs since the tadpole stage for about 10
years. One of the frogs recently is just floating at the top of the tank. The
legs have lost weight and the skin is sloughing off. In reading the disease
section I see some of these symptoms. She does not have tremors. I read
the nematode disease thing, how would a frog get nematodes when it is in
a closed environment. The second female seems fine. Not sure what I
should do, I can remove the frog to a seperate aquarium. Should I treat the
water, euthanize the frog, or something else.

I would really appreciate some help, don't really want her to suffer, but
really do not know how to help either.

Thanks.

It is possible that some kind of contaminate got into the water during your last water change, although if the other frog is fine, that's probably not the case. Nematodes are the type of thing that a Xenopus frog can have it's entire life and not be affected until it is stressed for some reason. If there is no bleeding, ulcers or redness, then it is probably not a bacterial disease. I would try isolating the animal and adding some aquarium salt to the water. This causes them to shed and therefore rid themselves of external parasites etc. If the frog is swimming around rapidly then it is in pain or extremely agitated, as they are usually very sedentary. Do you have a pic?

just because a tank is a closed in environment doesnt mean they are safe from parasites. nemotodes are common in tanks, so are other little wormy things like planaria, which are present in ALL tanks i would start treating her with salt and melafix in a barebottom hospital tank ASAP. make sure the water is COOL! ACF are cool water frogs, using tank heaters can make them sick too. warm water gives bacteria wonderful breeding grounds and infect beloved ACF. good luck. read this website for better husbandry on your ACF.

http://aquaticfrogs.tripod.com