"Red leg" (Aeromonas hydrophilla)

There is another disease group which is probably seen more in captive frogs and that is the bacterial infection. There are several of these and identifying which one is active is important so that the right antibiotic can be administered. Our page on environmental bacteria and fungi will describe these but this page is devoted to one of the more contagious bacterial pathogens in amphibians - Aeromonas or "Red leg". This problem can devastate captive collections as it has both contact and airbourne transmission but it does occasionally cause outbreaks in the wild, as it did in the UK after they already had an outbreak of ranavirus.

The common name of "Red leg" is given because the disease will cause a pinky-red flush on the underside of the thighs which can also spread to the belly area above the vent. Any bacterial problem in amphibians can cause a pinky flush in this area so this symptom alone is not enough to indicate Aeromonas. There are other symptoms as well which demonstrate the pathogen's attack on the skin such as a slimy pasting occuring all over the body or mostly underneath (the ventral surface) and ulcers in the skin which will be concentrated on the feet, legs and sides of the body. The frog may lose weight quickly and it might also become paler than usual.

If Aeromonas is suspected in your frogs, you can contact us to discuss the symptoms and treatment procedures we use.

Preventing this problem in your animals requires clean conditions in the animals' enclosures but you can also protect your animals even more with a medical air filter. Aviculturists in North America routinely have such filters since they and their birds (especially cockatoos which produce powder in their feathers) are locked up indoors together throughout the winter. This leads to a much greater incidence of respiratory problems and allergies, which are eliminated by the air filters. Air filtration for frog owners is another protective step you can take to reduce airbourne problems circulating around your tanks.

• Another protective step is to restrict the contact visitors have to your animals. Aeromonas is likely to be carryed on clothing so a visit by another frog keeper who has recently had sick animals might result in something turning up in your animals.
• Always wash your hands with an antibacterial before and after contact with your animals.
• Have a simple "hospital tank" on hand to separate any sick looking animals from the others (preferably into another room) and handle these with disposable gloves.

last edited: May 14th, 2006