New Firebelly Newt, wound and maybe broken leg!

[hayleebee]

Hey guys, I recently bought a new cynops orientalis for a companion to my first, who i have had for a year and never had any problems with. Just after bringing the new one home, before adding him to my old newt, i noticed a swelling on his back leg, which has now turned into a wound and he has stopped using it, its limp and tends to stick to his side.
He is pretty perky and my old newt gets on well with him. I was just wondering what i can do to stop it getting infected? i dont really want to amputate (As its scary!) but will if i have to.
Also i havent seen him eat since i brought him home, he may have but i havent seen it happen.

Can anyone offer some advice? i really dont want to lose my new chum!

 

[Jennewt]

If I'm interpreting the first photo correctly, the wounded area is pretty close to the body, so I don't think you can amputate. Keep him cool and try to get him to eat, feed with a toothpick if necessary.

It's always risky to mix a new newt with an old one. The fresh imports tend to arrive with a boatload of germs and diseases.

Have you read the treatment articles on Caudata Culture? That would be a starting point.

 

[dipsydoodle]

Personally I wouldn't put him in the tank with the other one just yet (just in case you were going to). Try feeding brine shrimp; mine wouldn't touch anything except brine shrimp.

 

[Azhael]

Poor fella....this is the problem with wild-caught Cynops...
As Jen said, keep it cool, since cooler temps (15ºC or less) promote a better functioning of it´s inmune system and limit bacterial growth.

Apply salt baths:
Caudata Culture Articles - Salt Solutions in Treating Salamanders

It´s harsh, but i think you should know, that once these animals develop a flesh eating infection, it´s usually too late. Recuperation from such infections is complicated and only the lucky ones survive. Try your best, though. If in the future you wish to acquire more animals of this species, please consider finding captive bred ones from a breeder. You´ve seen what happens with wild-caught petshop ones, and it´s rather tragic...

Good luck!