If your frog’s skin is dry in addition to being discolored, this can be caused by a combination of stress and dehydration. However, some tree frogs naturally have a bit of red pigment on their legs. Keep track of your frog’s coloring so that you can tell when it changes. If your frog is discolored, you should have it seen by a veterinarian.
Red-Leg is often fatal — there is no known cure for it. MBD is usually curable if it is treated right away. MBD usually makes the frog stop eating and jumping. This is due to improper feeding, which causes a lack of vitamin D and calcium. Edema is when the frog swells up and becomes lethargic because it is so bloated. If your frog is lethargic and not bloated, then it does not have edema.
Since bacterial edema can be cleared up relatively easily at home and the one caused by kidney failure is always fatal, it is up to you whether to take your frog in to be seen by a vet. To prevent edema, clean your frog’s cage weekly and change its water frequently. Dying from kidney failure can be a slow, painful process. If your frog has edema caused by kidney failure, humane euthanasia performed by your vet is an option.
If you have more than one frog housed in the terrarium, some frogs could be getting more food than others. You should also make sure you are feeding your frogs small crickets, because medium and large ones are too big for a tree frog to swallow.
If not treated, these infections and wounds can let harmful bacteria into your frog’s body. This can result in death. Sores and bruises, as well as cuts, can cause a frog’s skin to look strange.
If your frog’s eyes are cloudy, you should get it veterinary care.
If your frog is losing weight, it could be that your frog is just naturally thin or that it needs to be fed more. You will need a digital scale to weigh your tree frog. Set a container with a lid on it on your scale and zero it out. Then put the frog in the container and read the screen. If you plan on documenting the frog’s weight over time, be sure to write down its weight every time you weigh it.
If there are several vets in your area who work with amphibians, make sure the vet you choose is the one that has the most experience with tree frogs. It’s a good idea to find a vet before your frog is actually sick. Having an established relationship with a veterinarian that treats tree frogs will make it easier to get your pet quick care when it needs it.
If you suspect that your tree frog is sick but you are unsure about bringing it in to be seen by a vet, at least call the veterinary office and talk to them. Tell them about your pet’s symptoms and ask them if they think your frog needs treatment.
If treatment is not minimizing your frog’s symptoms or they are getting worse, contact your vet once again. It may be that your frog needs a different type or amount of treatment.
