Dumpy Tree Frog

Question
Hi Thea,
Our Dumpy tree frog has red leg. We took her to the reptile vet 5 days ago, they gave her some topical drops of Baytril 22.7 mg/ml #1
This medicine is not really helping, she hasn't had anything to eat for approximate 2 weeks! She moves sometimes but not much.  She had one open sore that looks like is getting better.
In my search for any other alternative methods that might help her...I found lots of info about "Tetracycline" so I run and bought it.  The problem is that there is no dose to be found anywhere! The box says "T.C. Tetracycline anti-bacterial fish medication" 500mg per packet.  Is this the one to be used for frog's bath?    I also bought "chelated Cooper Sulfate- CooperSafe 4fl. oz. (118 ml)" but had a dose for fish tanks only.
If you can help us with the recommended dose of this for frog's bath would be very appreciated. ...or any other recommendations would be very helpful.

Answer
Hi Sandra,

Baytril (enrofloxacin) is often the first antibiotic prescribed in these cases because of its broad spectrum. It is usually effective against both Pseudomonas (which tetracycline will not affect) and Aeromonas, two of the most common organisms causing Red leg. Unfortunately, resistance rates are rising for both these organsims against both these antibiotics.  

I would also be tempted to try the tetracycline/doxycycline, the various forms are generally interchangeable. The fish medication is your best bet. It also comes as a bird medication that can be purchased over-the-counter but tends to be fruit flavoured. I have linked two veterinary articles, the first one is quite complete and has a dosage chart for soaking (100mg/L) and oral tetracycline.  I would make a smaller amount, fresh each time for soaking. The article also discusses supportive care to prevent dehyration etc. I know he is not eating well right now but avoid calcium supplements which bind with tetracyclines.

http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/phtm/PHTM/frogs/papers/hadfield-2005.pdf

This second link contains a brief discussion by Dr. Margaret Wissman who treats exotics extensively and writes for "Reptiles" magazine. She had success with a topical application of Silver sulfadiazine, which I have used on reptiles with good affect as well. The over-the- counter or on-line availability of these drugs may vary from state to state but your vet should have Silver sulfadizine, which is commonly used. I have also used a veterinary tetracycline opthalmic (for eyes) ointment on amphibian lesions with great results. There are no drugs actually certified for use in exotics so everything is "off-label" which allows allows vets to prescribe dog and cat drugs to treat other species.

http://www.exoticpetvet.net/reptile/strangemed.html

I found a dosage for the copper sulphate soak in the Merck veterinary manual at this link. It is used for treating primary or secondary fungal infections which can also be part of the problem or cause of red leg.

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/170104.htm


Some articles suggest hydrogen peroxide which I would avoid. It is destructive to healing tissue and has a very narrow spectrum. Iodine based products should also be avoided due to their toxicity to amphibians although they can be used in extreme cases at very high dilutions.

Red-leg often kills very quickly and the fact that your little guy is hanging in there at this stage is a good sign.
A salute to you as well for seeking professional veterinary care which, sadly, not many owners do.

I wish you the best of luck for his recovery.