“Red leg syndrome” is an infectious disease commonly found in frogs, toads, and salamanders. It is recognized by redness on the underside of the amphibians’ legs and abdomen and is usually caused by the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila; however, viruses and fungi can also cause similar redness. Newly acquired amphibians that are poorly nutritious, kept in poor water quality, or other less-than-ideal environmental conditions are particularly susceptible to “red leg syndrome.”
Symptoms
The amphibian’s legs and abdomen turn red because the capillaries under the skin dilate (or stretch). The amphibian may also begin to bleed from the skeletal muscles, tongue, or “third eyelid,” which is the protective skin under the amphibian’s eye. Other symptoms that may be observed include:
- anemia
- Apathy
- Extreme weight loss
- Open wounds on the skin, nose, or toes that won’t heal
- Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity)
Cause
The bacterium that commonly causes “red leg” syndrome, Aeromonas hydrophila, is present in contaminated food and water and can also be present in the air.
diagnosis
Your veterinarian will look for signs of widespread infection, such as localized inflammation and dead cells in the liver, spleen, and other abdominal organs. Tests of blood or body fluids will also usually be done to detect the presence of microorganisms that cause infection.
process
Treatment for “red leg syndrome” depends on the underlying cause of the illness. For example, if it’s caused by the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics for your amphibian. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for best results.
Life and Management
Preventing the outbreak of this disease requires immediate veterinary help, and if your animal becomes infected, isolate it from other amphibians in the home and seek immediate veterinary attention.
Prevention
Maintaining a clean and hygienic living environment for amphibians will go a long way in preventing “red leg syndrome”, so the aquarium should be cleaned regularly and kept free of organic matter.
