Question: broken limbs

[jplee3]

Hey guys,

So my CFB's two hind legs appear to be dysfunctional/broken. I've observed him a bit and neither limbs are moving - he's pretty much fully dependent on his two front legs. It's a sad sight. The person I got him from didn't have time to take care of him and he's been kept in pretty poor conditions from what I've seen.
In any case, is there *anything* I can do about his broken limbs? I thought I read on another thread that it's possible to 'amputate' the broken limbs and they will regenerate over time. Is this true? I'm a bit wary of doing something like that. Also, I wouldn't know *where* I would need to make the cuts.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[vistajpdf]

I read about limbs regenerating in FBNs, but I'd really hesitate to amputate. I mean, you have be humane, think about anesthesia, cauterizing the wounds, etc. I would consult w/ an exotic vet. What do you mean by poor conditions and how long have you had the newt? I'm rather new to newts, but have extensive medical training (I'm a dentist and our first two years were w/ the medical students.) In humans, reasons for paralysis can be anything from trauma to viral to congenital. Did the previous owner notice this? Does the newt eat well and get around OK? I have an exotic vet who comes to the house and does "well check-ups" on my exotics. I have a separate vet for my dogs/cats. Try to find an exotic vet and see what he/she advises. Maybe the others here will have more advice as they are far more experienced than I am with these caudates.

Good luck - I can imagine this is difficult to watch, but it's also possible the newt was born like this and it doesn't bother him??? Also, elaborate on the bad original conditions. I know temperatures are important as there is a risk of fungal infections w/ higher temps. I'm not sure if a fungus would affect the legs, but someone here might.

Dana

 

[pete]

If you're are unable to distinguish between dysfunctional or broken legs then you may want to re-evaluate whether you are qualified to do an amputation. Perhaps you should first resolve the problem, before moving on to a solution. Consulting an exotic vet may be the wisest choice. If you do decide to cut anything, do not cauterize the wound as this will likely prevent regeneration, and fungal infection is a definite concern. If the newt is otherwise healthy, I would suggest enjoying him as he is and hope that he can correct his problem on his own and with proper care.

 

[Jennewt]

I think the problem could be neurological, not broken bones.

 

[jplee3]

Well, when I first got him he was given in a small plastic terrarium with small gravel and a larger object to hide around. I didn't notice his hind legs at first until I got home and started transferring him. There's a gash in front of where his right hind leg connects to the body. The other hind leg appears to have a slight gash in the same location on the opposing side but I can't be certain. As far as I can tell from observation though, neither of the legs are functional - it looks more like dead weight hanging off his body. Whether swimming or crawling but more noticeable when crawling, it is obvious the hind legs are inoperable. Is it possible that this is how he was born?
My inclination is to think that his former owner may have roughly treated him when doing water changes, etc. And possibly not being observant when moving him around and allowing the large object where he hides (a fake little 'skull') to roll on him, etc. I don't know enough of his history to make a detailed assessment, but I know enough from what I've heard to ascertain that he wasn't receiving very good care.

Here's the story of how I found him: I was looking on craigslist for newts and came across a woman wanting to give away her newt (she wasn't even sure of the species). I had a few email exchanges with her and decided to commit to taking him in. I met up with her and was horrified upon receiving the newt - the plastic terrarium he was in was filthy with a film of algae along the sides where the water level had been. And it just looks like it wasn't kept very clean over all. The lady ended up with the newt because her daughter found some girl ready to toss him out in the dumpster and so she took him in instead. The daughter ended up not wanting to care for it after a while so she passed it along to her mom. The lady claims to have had it for 2 years and says the former owner (I'm assuming her daughter) had it for 6 years. At least, that's what she had emailed me before meeting up with her. I'm super surprised that it's lasted such a long time though. I suppose I can just let him be if that's the case...

 

[pete]

Well, it's tough to say from a description. Photos would probably get you more suggestions. Since it's both back legs that have a problem I'm inclined to think its neurological.

 

[jplee3]

Well, it's tough to say from a description. Photos would probably get you more suggestions. Since it's both back legs that have a problem I'm inclined to think its neurological.

I see. That makes sense... especially considering that it's lived for 8 years (?). In this case I guess there's not much I can do. Any ideas as to what caused the neurological condition? I know if it was born this way there wouldn't be much explanation. But are there other factors that can cause this to happen?

 

[Critter Mom]

If it were me, I would call around to different exotic vets in your area listed in the phone book and on the internet and get prices from them on office visits and tell them what you have. You will probably be shocked at how much they can vary from vet to vet. (Around here:$34-86 for a visit with a non-established sick exotic pet!!) I would take him in because the conditions you saw the newt in were terrible. It has at least 1 open wound, possibly 2. You don't know how long the wound has been there (last week before you got it, last year...not likely or it would have probably died in those conditions of an infection, or what was going on). The vet can take samples and find out exactly WHAT you are dealing with here (virus, fungus, bacteria, or other problem), and can TREAT IT. I think it's great you rescued it, but if I were you I would take the next step.

That is just my 2 cents. Without proper vet care, everything else is just speculation.

Good luck and please keep us updated.

 

[pete]

I see. That makes sense... especially considering that it's lived for 8 years (?). In this case I guess there's not much I can do. Any ideas as to what caused the neurological condition? I know if it was born this way there wouldn't be much explanation. But are there other factors that can cause this to happen?

I'm not saying for sure that it's neurological, it's just my suspicion based on the information that you've provided. If you post photos, you'll likely get some other opinions. I can think of a number of hand-waving things that may lead to a paralysis condition, including age, genetics, physical trauma, diet, pathogens, toxins.... I think it is hard to speculate on that one given the history of the animal. Who knows, maybe after you give it some love and proper care you'll find that the problem resolves itself. No promises, though.