Triturus

[Niels D]

Yesterday we bought a new aquarium with some P. waltl's in it. There we saw this emaciated creature. We took it home with us, hoping that we can bring it back in shape. The man from which we bought it was convinced that it was a C. pyrrhogaster, but I was thinking of T. karelinii. Jeroen S thought it could be a T. dobrogicus and I think he's right.
The waltl's are looking healthy though.

 

[Azhael]

I´d say T.dobrogicus too.
The deformity of the arm is very interesting, likely a faulty regeneration?
Poor guy....he looks really really bad....I hope you do manage to bring him back to health, but personally i´d say the possibility is very remote. That petshop deserves a wallop.

 

[Niels D]

I haven't bought it in a shop, but from a man/boy who didn't give it the proper care. Luckely he decided to sell everything for a nice prize and he's got no more animals and know they're in our care.

People advised me to treat it against worms. I'll give it a try, because there's a good vet near here. I haven't got much hope. At least he ate some nutrigrub and bloodworms. We'll see.

 

[Azhael]

I see. Parasite treatments tend to be quite agressive, it may be that the animal is too weak for something like that. Definitely try the vet, that´s the best option.

Congrats on your new P.waltl, by the way, and good luck!

 

[Mark]

Be cautious not to overfeed. With that level of emaciation I would guess it hasn't eaten for many months. Starved newts that suddenly eat large meals may develop a metabolic condition called re-feeding syndrome which can fatally damage organs and digestive systems. Very small meals once a day should get it on a path to recovery.

 

[rethgar]

I'd tend to agree, how much in the way of white stippling is there on the flanks?

 

[Niels D]

Thankx for the advice. I will feed him cautiously. I don't know how he ended up with a third arm, but doesn't seem to bother him.

I have T. dobrogicus myself, but they're still juveniles. The white markings only covers the sides of it's head.

 

[Molch]

I think sometimes deformities can happen when a limb regenerates or when there was an injury to the arm that triggered the regeneration machine, even though the old arm was still attached.

I hope you can bring him around. He looks just about 10 minutes from death, poor chap.

 

[Jeroen Spobeck]

Ceep us up to date Niels. He is in better hands now thats for shure.

 

[Niels D]

I agree that it looks like a regeneration fault. He's eating a little and he's still active and alert, so I'm nog giving him up just yet. He's getting some bloodworms and tubifex. If he has eaten a little bit more then I will try some nutrigrub again. Maybe a waxworm...

 

[Niels D]

He's been treated for parasites, because there were flagellates in his feces. At this moment he's eating pretty well. The treatment will be repeated in two weeks. Maybe he will make it after all.

 

[eljorgo]

I'd euthanize it... Ragardless what is said the animal IS in fact in terrible shape. I never seen a animal that bad and I've euthanized more 'chubby' caudates than that one. and they did not have deformities. I just think its way too much optimistic to think he will fully recover and be a normal newt. Don't forget the pain and suffering this animal experienced and still is experiencing as all its insides are still getting consumed by parasites.

Still, this is my way of thinking... We don't have to agree in all points so you pic up what you find to be the best of the options. I wish I'm wrong and I see him recovered one of these days. Even being something remotely possible...
cheers,

 

[Niels D]

I can understand your point, but I doubt that he's really suffering. His behaviour isn't any different from all other newts/salamanders I have or seen while herping. He now eats with much enthusiasm and he's been active and alert all the time. I've seen many sick animals. They tend to be more apathetic. Except for it's meager posture there's no indication for him being sick. If there wasn't any improvement I'd euthenize it, but not now he's doing just great and the deformation really isn't a problem for him.

 

[Molch]

Euthanasia would have been a perfectly acceptable option; then again, why not try? I don't think it's at all clear that the animal experiences pain and suffering in its present condition. I mean, he's eating, and as long as Niels doesn't mind the trouble, why not try to resurrect him? I think their regenerative powers are considerable. With good care he may bounce back and live many good newt years yet

 

[Niels D]

It's no trouble for me at all. I see it as a challenge. I really have no problems with euthanasia. If I had any indications that the animal was going through hell then I would end is suffering right away.

This is not a genetically weak animal, because it survived harsh conditions being kept in a small tank together with 5 much bigger P. waltl and a little catfish thanks to the previous owner. I believe he's been kept this way for a about 2 years.

Now he's in quarantine he's doing so much better. Yesterday he's eaten bloodworms and tubifex. Today he ferociously ate a piece of worm (Lumbricus terrestris) so I guess he deserves a chance.

 

[Niels D]

Ate another worm today. We're glad!

 

[Niels D]

He's refusing food at this moment and is nog looking all too well. Getting worried again. If he doens't improve maybe euthanasia is the only answer. I think the medication were a bit too agressive.

 

[Niels D]

Unfortunally he didn't make it. It's no surprise of course, but at first it looked like he had a chance. At least we've tried. Sob!

 

[Azhael]

Sorry to hear that. Its condition was really, really bad. At least you gave it a decent home.