My toad's jaw is broken. What home care can I give this amphibian?

It is difficult to determine a leg injury with these photos. Fractured legs rarely heal in a aquarium/terrarium environment due to the animals movements usually does not allow stabilization of the fracture site. Also, splinting the limbs is near impossible for the same reason. If you think this frog has a fracture, it probably needs to see a veterinarian, especially before it gets worse (such as an open fracture with bone exposed). I have amputated several frog/toad limbs in my day and most do well and have good quality of life, although tougher time catching prey. Might have to feed via forceps. Good luck.

I am so sorry to hear that Frogs was injured, but I am happy that you have found a veterinarian in your area who can see him. If you are seeing a loss of the toes, I would also be concerned about infection. Alternatively, these toes may have fallen off due to a lack of blood supply, which can happen with broken bones as well. I would recommend taking Frogs back to your veterinarian, as they can evaluate him and then prescribe antibiotics if they feel that the area is infected. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I hope that Frogs has a quick recovery.

The lump may be the bony callous at the site of the break. This means it is healing. Have her rechecked by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. An x-ray of the jaw/skull can be done to confirm the jaw is mending properly. If it is, she likely does not need surgery.

Unfortunately, if the jaw is broken, there is very little you can do at home. Lola is likely painful and may have difficulties eating and drinking. Ideally, she should be examined by your veterinarian. Discuss payment plans or alternative financing options, such as CareCredit (www.carecredit.com), with your veterinarian. You can also ask friends and family to contribute or resort to crowdfunding. Financial aid may also be secured through charities such as Red Rover (www.redrover.org).

Poor Peppie! It depends on where the fracture is, and whether it is displaced. I have had good luck with fractures of the mandibular symphasis (the very front of the bottom jaw) by having the dog wear a loose-fitting soft muzzle for ~6 weeks and feeding exclusively soft food. The muzzle would be loose enough for Peppie to lap water and soft food, but tight enough that he couldn't totally open his jaw and it would help stabilize. He would wear this 24 hours a day, including while eating and sleeping. Your vet will likely be familiar with this so I recommend calling and asking if this might help. It would only be beneficial for specific types of jaw fractures so it's important for your vet to give the go-ahead first, since they know the specifics of Peppie's fracture but I've had good success using this technique. Good luck!

Can you post again with photos? Do you mean the beak if broken or the actual jaw? That makes in difference on how we can help. I recommend you feed him soft foods for a while. Things he doesn't have to bite down on hard or tear with his beak. Really, a vet exam would be best. They can put in a feeding tube until the beak regrows or the fractured jaw heals.

Freezing is no longer an AVMA recommended method of humane euthanasia in amphibians. Humane methods include CO2, cervical dislocation or pithing. Ideally, euthanasia should be performed by your veterinarian.