Highly emaciated Notophthalmus viridescens was given to me this morning. The people forgot they had him and his tank mates (who were all dead) causing severe neglect over what they say to be a week. He tried to eat a cricket earlier today with no success and hasn't tried since. I opened his mouth slightly and put a piece of chopped earthworm in, but I'm not sure if he has the strength to swallow it down. If he survives over night I'm going to buy a jar of baby food and a small syringe. Maybe even pedialite?
Has anyone had success with these methods or have any other suggestions?
Hello,
Although not really documented in amphibians, refeeding syndrome (see
Refeeding syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for basic info) would be a theoretical concern. If he's not fed for a long time and is in a bad way as described, I would advise probiotics/fluid replacement for a couple of days before any food. At least rehydrating by bathing in amphibian's ringer would be advisable, plus it may help with retatined shed.
More generally, I would recommend getting him to a vet if possible, as other supportive treatments may be appropriate (e.g. treating for flagellates, common overgrowth parasite in the guts of stressed animals).
In the longer term, if he makes it, checking faeces for parasites would be advisable, but it doesn't look like he could take heavy antiparasitic treatment right now.
Hope this helps, good luck with him