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I think my baby pacman frog is impacted. I noticed he seemed to be getting more and more bloated and eating less and now he hasn't pooped. When I picked him up this morning and turned him over there was blood uner the skin all around he rectum area. What do I do for my little Buddah?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: pacman frog Gender: Female Age: 44 Name of Animal: Buddah Already Tried: nothing, just realized what might be going on. Also, when I last changed his bedding the pet store did not have the usual brand and I was sold some other stuff which I don't think was the right type of moss for frogs? It is larger, clumpier and I'm always pulling it out of the frogs mouth.
Hello, welcome to Just Answer. I will try to answer your questions and help Buddah. How old is he now?
Im not sure I bought him around Easter he was the size of a quarter he's the size of a half dollar
Okay, thanks. What are you feeding him, and how often?
calcium coated crickets only so far and usually 2 dailly
Great, that sounds like a good start for this little frog. Can you tell me what you have him housed in? Is there heating or lamps, and other than the moss is there anything else in the cage?
He's in a 15 gal. tank with a heating pad underneath, water dish, substrate, moss, lamp above for lighting. The only thing changed is the moss, which I think is the problem, this stuff came in bigger clumps and he didn't seem to like it from the get go.
Okay. To start, I would remove all of that moss now. In the future, it is best to take him out of the tank and put him in a tupperware bin for feedings so that he does not swallow any of the substrate again. As he gets older he will be at higher risk of swallowing moss, dirt, rocks, etc as he lunges and swallows the prey items.
For now, there are not many good options to get the impaction resolved. If at all possible, I would recommend taking him to your vet, or any vet willing to see exotics. They will be able to do an exam and determine if surgery is needed or not.
If that is not an option, soaking him in lukewarm/room temperature water may be of benefit.
If he is willing to eat, you can also try misting the crickets with some mineral oil to see if that will help alleviate the obstruction.
I do think a vet visit is the best option, though, as there is a chance he will need some antibiotics and pain meds to help resolve the problem.
Ok I've already removed the moss and another site had recommended the warm water also and massaging his tummy (I wasn't sure if they were being smarta**)but I'm willing to try it. No surgery isn't an option I'm afraid financially, but I will check with the vet who cares for my dog and see about cost. Thank you.
I would not rub his tummy. You will more than likely cause damage to the skin and potentially make things worse inside. Amphibian skin is quite delicate, and very small abrasions to the surface can allow bacteria to enter - especially from human fingers - and cause an overwhelming infection.
Yes I know, I always wet my fingers first when touching him because it feels like I'll tear his skin otherwise! And Thank you, I WON'T rub his tummy. I knew they were idiots. I'll stick to the experts with Buddah then. I'll call my vet tomorrow and see if she deals with exotics or knows of someone close who does. In the meantime, I'll try your advice.
Good luck! Try the warm water soaks for 20-30 minutes at a time, and do this 2-4 times per day. Hopefully things will resolve quickly! I love those little frogs - as he gets bigger you should offer pinkies (baby mice) and fuzzies when he is big enough to swallow them. Pac man frogs can live a long time - enjoy him!
Experience: 10 years experience in emergency medicine, zoo, exotic, and wildlife medicine.
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Thanks Dr. Gwen,I've got Buddah soaking in a warm bowl of water next to me and he's not giving me his usual red eyed glare :) yeah I love my little frog! And he's definitely impacted. It feels like a rock in his rectum, I'll just keep soaking! Thanks for all your help and have a great day!
,I'm sorry, I got all the info I needed. The vet was very patient and courteous, answering all my questions. She gave me excellent service and I will recommend this service to others in the future. Thank you again for your help.Lisa