Red leg

[karen]

Does anyone here know about red leg disease? I searched this site, and saw some information but not much (unless I didn't find all the info). What are the symptoms/causes? I think I may have to take one of my newts to the vet this weekend (he's the one doing the swimming frenzy). I don't know if I'm imagining things or not but his arm looks alittle pinkish (although maybe it's the blood vessels underneath, which I also see). Just want to check and see if anyone has any expertise in this situation?

 

[edward]

Red leg is a generic term that covers septicemia caused by multiple different bacteria. The name came from the fact that in many cases, there is red blotching on the legs and/or ventral surface of the amphibian due to hemorraging in the capillaries.
There are a number of other symptoms that can indicate it such as vomiting, bloating, odd behaviors but these can be variable in case to case partially due to the many different bacterial infections that can cause it.
Red leg is a potential medical crisis as death can occur within hours of presentation of symptoms.

Ed

 

[jennifer]

These are Notophthalmus? They often have very visible blood vessels around the armpits. Of more concern... is he still swimming frantically?

 

[karen]

Actually Jennifer, he does still swim frantically at times. I've noticed him using the lily pad once in awhile and he seems to like to sit on top of the fluval filter. Then he calms down alot. Maybe it's like when you put a baby on the clothes dryer, the vibrations are soothing.
What bothers me are all the combined "symptoms"- his changing color (dark to light), his swimming and his belly (but I don't think it's bloat b/c it seems to be his lower belly). Also, this newt in question was the "bully" of the 2- he used to intimidate and nip at the other newts at feeding time- now the roles are reversed and he seems to be the submissive newt while the other one does the bullying. It just seems to be alot of odd occurances all at once (within a few weeks).
Also, as per your suggestion, I've done partial water changes to lower the nitrite level (from 2.0 ppm to 0.5 ppm). Any ideas?

 

[edward]

The nitrite could still be causing the problems as nitrite binds to the hemeglobin molecule and prevents the uptake and transport of oxygen. This is an irreversiable process so even low amounts of nitrite over time can be toxic. Water changes are important to keep reducing the levels of nitrite. In addition the addition of a small amount of sea salt to the tank will help prevent nitrite toxicity as the sodium interferes with the uptake of the nitrite. Usually a teaspoon/gallon is sufficient.
Ed

 

[karen]

Is there any reasons why the nitrite levels are not dropping on their own? The tank has been running for about 3 or 3.5 weeks now; I know it takes awhile to cycle. The ammonia levels are zero and have not risen which I assume is good) but the nitrite levels haven't crashed to zero yet. I just did another 50% water change and checked the nitrite level again, it seems to have lowered a bit from 0.5 ppm to 0.25 ppm (or between 0.25 and 0.5 ppm). Do you think I should take the newt to the vet (I looked up some amphibian vets in my area, not just a dog/cat vet)- is there anything the newt can be given if it is sick? I'm trying so hard to take care of them well!

 

[edward]

It can take awhile for nitrite levels to decrease because the bacteria have not caught up to the production of nitrite from ammonia. 30 days is an estimated average of how long it takes to cycle an aquarium, it can take 30, 60 or even 90 days for a tank to cycle...

A vet would have to make the decision to treat the newt if it is sick...

Ed