Apparent hernia in Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

[Bill B]

I got this Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) as a larva as a pond in Michigan (U.S.). I noticed that when I added black worms to the tank while it was a larva that it had a lot of food, parts the abdomen on the right and left sides, just forward of the rear legs would bulge out.



Eventually, a hernia was caused by this. You can see on the side opposite the hernia a spot similar spot that did not form a large hernia


Any idea what causes this?


The veterinarian at a zoo where I used to volunteer was puzzled too. I sent him photos.

 

[Otterwoman]

Poor little thing. I wonder how it's going to fare.

 

[Bill B]

It did not survive. That photo was taken after it died....

 

[Aesyir]

Are you sure that's a hernia? could be a tumor maybe?

 

[Bill B]

There were weak spots back when it was yet a larva -- just forward of the rear legs. When it ate a lot of black worms, the bulges were very visible. Eventually, it seems the parts of the digestive tract pushed through the abdominal wall.