Question: What causes bloat in newts?

[misslyss]

From what I understand a newt can retain water if there is too much humidity in a terrestrial set up, but what are the causes for bloat in aquatic species and axolotls?

My female chinese warty newt (housed with a male) looks gravid, but I want to weigh in all factors before I get my hopes up.

She eats, well.. a lot. Earthworms, wax worms, medium sized crickets, and even tries to eat the male's food, sometimes going as far as to grab the worm from his mouth forcing me to cut it in half. She is the same size if not fatter than my tiger salamanders, so I guess obesity could be a possibility as well. I admit, she begs, and I give her extra for enthusiasm.

Her neck is not swollen, just her lower belly area. I didn't feed her yesterday, but she did eat over 5 wax worms the day before. I really don't think its bloat because it seems she's been growing larger/healthier over time. I just noticed tonight she's hit her all time large. If it justifies her feeding habits, she was pretty skinny when I first purchased the two.

I want to be ready for whatever comes next.. vet visit, DIET, whatever needs to be done.

I'll get a picture on here tomorrow.

Help!

 

[Greatwtehunter]

This article called Bloat in Newts should help out alot. Depending on the picture, it sounds like a change in the amount of feedings may be in order.

 

[misslyss]

Thats exactly what I'm looking for, thanks for replying so quickly!

The first 2 pictures scared me until I read the caption. I think she's in the clear as far as bloat goes, but we will definitely cut back on wax worms, and I'll try to ignore it when she stares at me waiting for her tenth helping.

I'll still post a picture to confirm it all

 

[misslyss]

Forgot about this thread. Heres a picture from a few days ago and one from today.

P.S. That toe was already missing when I got her!

 

[misslyss]

Oh no, is it really that obvious!? AH how could I let my poor girl become such a little fatty?! pinhead crickets for the next month! ya right she would probably eat my fingers!