Fungal, Bacterial, Bloat Issues
AFRICAN DWARF FROG CARE AND SUPPORT
ALYCE WIDMAN·TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020·
Generally, bacteria is the cause of illness in your ADF if the signs of decline are sudden, rather than gradual. These signs include inactivity, failure to feed, weight loss, cloudy eyes (can also be a sign of toxins in the water such as ammonia, edema (an abnormal accumulation of fluid, also known as dropsy or bloat) and skin hemorrhaging (broken skin may cover over with a white fuzzy growth/fungus).
Many bacterial infections that commonly affect African Dwarf Frogs are caused by or exacerbated by poor water quality and stress. The cleaner you keep your tank and the happier your dwarf frogs are, the less likely they are to catch a disease. Unfortunately, often the frogs are not bred, transported, or cared for in proper conditions before being purchased by us. Many of us have had the experience of purchasing frogs that LOOK healthy, only to bring them home and, after some time, sadly discover that they are not. Through no fault of our own we are suddenly dealing with a sick frog.
Some things you might want to do before you purchase African Dwarf Frogs is set up a quarantine tank. This is especially important if you already keep these frogs, as you don’t want to risk spreading any potential illness to your current amphibians. It’s a good idea to fully cycle this tank or use Prime water conditioner and daily water changes to keep the frogs safe during the cycling and/or quarantine time (Please see the file on cycling for more information on this process). Quarantine for a full three months (please see the file on the Chytrid fungus for more information on why this time frame is so important). It’s not a bad idea to have some products already available in case you discover you have frogs with a bacterial or fungal issue.
Two such products are Jungle Fungus Clear and Tetra Fungus Guard. Both of these have the same active ingredients (Nitrofurazone, furazolidone, potassium dichromate) and are used per the directions. HOWEVER, FOR FROGS USE HALF THE DOSE RECOMMENDED FOR FISH. (Again, please post photos and symptoms and water parameters in the group and get some feedback before you use these products). Some other products that have been safely used with frogs are Maracyn and Maracyn 2, and Triple Sulfa. You will need to request information on the correct dosage of these in the group, if they are applicable to your frog’s issue.
Soft Bloat is unfortunately an internal problem. The frog’s lymphatic system is not functioning properly and could be due to genetic issues, improper care early on, bad water quality, age, or even trauma.
While it was believed for a while that salt baths worked, it has been shown to be a temporary fix and the bloat returns more severely. Salt baths will stress your frog for nothing.
It is believed that “hard” bloat (which comes on/kills quickly) is caused (current thought) by bacteria, and it is too late when it manifests to use antibiotics.
Soft bloat is jiggly and when properly cared for a frog can live a long life.
IF someone was going to try an antibiotic for bloat, we would suggest Triple Sulfa.
******Please be aware that the Chytrid fungus requires a completely different approach and that we have a separate file on this fungus, symptoms, and treatments.
Lastly, the new infection found in these frogs, Mycobacterium Ulcerans Liflandii, which can currently, only be diagnosed by lab analysis, is incurable. If an admin suspects it from photos, we suggest keeping your water tested and spot on and do your weekly, Prime treated water changes water changes. In all likelihood, your frog will pass but any remaining frogs have been exposed. We can’t be sure they will develop it and stress and trauma may cause it to develop.
While we have found no cures for this mycobacterium we may suggest something based on the possibility we are wrong.