Fire belly Toad and Swelling!

Question
My fire belly toad is all swelled up. Stomach, legs, neck.....I am concerned that he has an infection and that he will suffer. I called the vet and he said something about it being pregnant? I would agree if all parts of the toads body were not swollen. Please help me!

Answer
I'm afraid toads are not my strong area, however being gravid or a systemic infection ( sepsis ) would be my first two guesses. Impaction or egg binding may be a possibility as well. Not sure if a gravid toad may take on water weight in other parts of the body as well, but it seems that a Fire Bellied toad can lay a couple hundred eggs. Large gains in weight are common in gravid reptiles, so I would not dismiss it here necessarily. It would seem that being able to sex this toad definitively would narrow down the problem. I can tell you that swollen limbs and such in turtles and lizards, often indicates sepsis though.

If the toad has reduced appetite or is lethargic, and is not defecating,  I would be concerned about illness, impaction, or egg binding. If it is otherwise ok and appears restless or digging about, then you may have to get ready for babies. I recommend plenty of hydration, warm water soaks,  and keep your temperatures up until you actually go in to see a vet. I recommend you check in with someone who is a toad specialist too.

http://www.anapsid.org/bombina.html