Sick American Toad - help!

[otolith]

I have a small American toad that has a troubling mystery ailment. Its rear legs seem paralyzed/stuck in place in a sitting position, it often tries to hop but gets stuck on its back and cannot right itself. Its skin and eyes are clear and aside from the rear legs does not seem to have any other symptoms.

I originally thought it might be due to compaction but it will still eat and pass stool so I am beginning to wonder if it is a virus or bacterial infection. It has been like this for the past few weeks without improvement, I am wondering if euthanization would be be the best course of action since the toad obviously looks pained/stressed. Any input or treatment help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[herpvet]

I have a small American toad that has a troubling mystery ailment. Its rear legs seem paralyzed/stuck in place in a sitting position, it often tries to hop but gets stuck on its back and cannot right itself. Its skin and eyes are clear and aside from the rear legs does not seem to have any other symptoms.

I originally thought it might be due to compaction but it will still eat and pass stool so I am beginning to wonder if it is a virus or bacterial infection. It has been like this for the past few weeks without improvement, I am wondering if euthanization would be be the best course of action since the toad obviously looks pained/stressed. Any input or treatment help would be greatly appreciated.

Hello,

I would advise getting the toad to an exotics vet for proper evaluation. There are several possible causes here (trauma, metabolic bone disease complex, spinal lesion of some sort) which might need investigation to try to distinguish. Metabolic bone disease complex in particular is common and should be ruled in or out if possible, before deciding on euthanasia.

I would say that infection is less likely if it has been present without change either way for several weeks, but it is possible.

Hope you can get it sorted out,

Bruce.