My salamander has recurring black spots and is lethargic. What to do?

The black spots look like skin that did not shed properly. I suggest you check the cage temperature and lighting as that is the number one reason they get lethargic. Also make sure her diet is correct and you are giving her calcium supplements. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Green-Iguana/ )

Thanks for reaching out about your salamander. The water temperature for the bath should match the habitat water temperature as changed in temperature are very stressful. Bacterial and fungal treatments are different so a diagnosis will help. As for food, you will have to contact the vendor directly. It is very difficult to syringe feed salamanders. You should consider a veterinary visit as this sounds serious. Good luck.

Without an image or physical exam, it can be difficult to determine exactly what is going on. It could be a bacterial or fungal infection, skin from shedding or trauma (burn, abrasion, etc). Ideally, Iggy should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can find one using the link below if necessary. http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661 In the meantime, confirm proper environmental parameters. To much humidity can promote bacterial or fungal overgrowth, too little humidity can lead to difficult sheds. Make sure Iggy cannot come into contact with either the heat lamp or UVB light source. Minor infection can be treated with daily cleanings using diluted Betadine or Chlorhexidine. Clean and sanitize the cage and use plain paper towels as substrate to make cleaning easier until the issue is resolved.

It is difficult to appreciate the red spots in the images provided. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite or spreading of the spots. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls and hides. Use paper towels as substrate and change it daily. If Beast develops any of the above symptoms, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat illness or injury.

UVB lighting is critical to shell and overall health. If you don't yet have a UVB light source, you can take Jazzy outside in full sun for at least 60 minutes daily. Use caution to prevent overheating though. Perform a partial water change (30% total volume) and scrub and tank furniture. Confirm the filter is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. You will likely need to perform partial water changes weekly or every 2 weeks to maintain water quality. Turtles eat and defecate in the water, so it can get dirty very quickly without regular maintenance. Scrub Jazzy using a soft bristled toothbrush and a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. Allow for a 1-2 hour dry dock (out of the water) after each scrubbing. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, soft spots on the shell or pitting. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

This could be a fungal or bacterial infection. You can try to manage it at home by maintaining pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Make sure any filter you have is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent it from fouling the water. Use a soft bristled brush and a diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution to gently scrub the affected areas daily. Keep the turtle out of the water fro an hour or two after each cleaning. If the spots do not begin to resolve within 5-7 days, you may need to seek veterinary attention.

Check the water quality and temperature. Perform partial water changes every few days to maintain pristine water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Clean water is the foundation for healing and recovery. If there is no change, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating axolotls. They can be sensitive to medications, so a doctor's advice after an exam would be safest.