My African dwarf frog is bloated with blood. Is it dropsy or sick?

Maintain pristine water quality in the main tank and monitor the fish for similar symptoms. A bit of aquarium salt ( not table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for no more than two weeks then perform partial water changes to decrease salinity. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. I am sorry for the loss of your frog. Your remaining ADF sounds quite ill by your description. Again, maintain pristine water quality in the quarantine tank with a water temp of 78 F. ADFs, and amphibians in general, ate quite sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Elevated ammonia or nitrite levels can kill. Other possibilities for the bloating include improper diet, obstruction or kidney failure. You can try a fast for a couple days along with salt baths. This may relieve the bloating. If it is dropsy, unfortunately by the time a frog is bloated, the survival rate is very low.

Ideally, he should be seen sooner than Thursday. If he has an obstruction or dropsy, then this is an emergency. For now, maintain pristine water conditions and proper temps. You can decrease the depth of the water to make it easier for Fred to surface.

Thanks for reaching out. Frogs, as amphibians, don't have a swim bladder like fish do. They can accumulate air in their abdominal cavity due to infections and can perform aerophagia (swallowing/gulping) of air that can rest in the stomach, thereby changing buoyancy. Some frogs can over-inflate their lungs, due to disease and have difficulty expelling air. Check water quality first for pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Correct any concerns. The only way to determine air in the stomach, lungs or abdominal cavity is probably through a radiograph. Antibiotics could help several of these conditions but a veterinarian visit is needed. Good luck.

Check humidity and temperature in the enclosure. Either can affect activity, appetite and digestion. Soak him in a warm solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. A gentle abdominal massage during the soak may stimulate defecation. Be sure to use dechlorinated (or otherwise conditioned) water for the soak. You will need to see your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating amphibians if the appetite does not return.

He may be constipated or may have a severe infection. You can separate him out or place him in a breeding net and offer bits of cooked and shelled green peas. This should help relieve the constipation. If it is infection, a salt treatment or antibiotics may help. Place him in a separate tank and dissolve 2 1/2 teaspoons of Epsom salt (NOT table salt) per ten gallons. This can help draw out excess fluid in the body. If there is no improvement, add a broad spectrum antibiotic such as kanamycin or Maracyn 2 to the tank. You can purchase either in your local fish store or in the aquarium section of most pet stores. Follow label directions carefully. Once he is recovered, you can return him to the main tank. Monitor water quality. Many infections can be caused by poor water quality, overfeeding or overstocking the tank. Use a home test kit to check ammonia, nitrates and nitrites. The first two should always be 0 ppm (parts per million), nitrates can read 40 ppm or less. Dropsy is a condition caused by infection that results in fluid retention. If your guppy's scales are sticking out (like a pinecone), he is likely in end stage Dropsy and humane euthanasia should be considered.

Hi, This actually sounds very concerning. Since this is only affecting 1 of your ADFs, a problem with the water or environment seems less likely. What you describe could be retained eggs, fluid build up (from a liver or heart problem), or a tumor. All of these issues are potentially serious and require more specialized treatment than you can get over the counter. I would recommend a full examination by a veterinarian so they can try to determine the underlying cause and prescribe any needed medications.

Confirm proper environmental parameters. Frogs are very sensitive to changes in water chemistry and water temperature. Offer food every other day. ADFs are small and don't need to eat much. Feed as much as he will eat in 5-10 minutes. You can offer frog pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp or frozen bloodworms. Frozen beef heart can be used as an occasional treat. Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent fouling the water.