Illness/Sickness: What is up with my Firebelly newt? is he just having shedding problems?

[zarnia79]

Hi,

I recently bought this Firebelly newt (pictured above)...now he seemed well when I bought him but a few days ago I noticed he started to shed (and still is) he now has lumps all over his body. I have quarantened him in another tank and have been treating him with Melafix but he does not seem to be improving. I have the spare tank linked up to a airpump with one airstone and given him plenty of places to hide. He seems quite happy and is eating. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance! :happy:

 

[Jennewt]

The bumps look like small blisters. First rule out the avoidable causes, like warm temperature and water quality issues. Have you tested the tank water for ammonia? If those aren't possible causes, then it's likely that he arrived with some sort of pathogen, which is sadly very often the case with pet shop newts. Keep him cool and keep him clean and eating and he may get through it.

 

[zarnia79]

Hi thanks for your reply.

Yes that is what I thought as they do look a bit like blisters but was not too sure if it was a shedding problem. I did test the water the other day for Ammonia it was up a little but I have done a water change since and it's ok now.

I did notice on buying the newts that the tank water in the shop was really dirty and had a few uneaten dead crickets so I wonder if that caused it? is the infection contagious?

I have been treating with Melafix will that do the job? I will do a water change in the morning and give him some food. He seems happy enough though just doesn't look very good. Well fingers crossed he get's through it!!

Thank you for your help. :happy:

 

[Jennewt]

I have no confidence in Melafix to do much of anything. Then again, there's nothing else I'd recommend either.

It's impossible to say if it's contagious, but you have to assume that it is. I hope you didn't bring this guy home and put him in a tank with newts you've had longer.

 

[zarnia79]

Yeah I am not too sure about Melafix either....I have heard both good reviews and bad...but it is natural chemicals and not really sure on what else to do...Methelyne Blue any good?

The newt seemed fine when I got him home....As soon as I noticed he wasn't looking to well I have in fact seperated him from the others. I just wondered if I did put him back in the tank if the others would get it too but I will leave him where he is until he is better.

I have had the other newts for 5 years too and not had any problems. Just one of those things I suppose.

 

[Greatwtehunter]

I've seen this before, but only in N. v. viridescens. I put them in a simple terrestrial setup and applied Neosporin to any of the blisters that opened up. Sometimes this worked and it went away but other times it didn't and the newts eventually died.

 

[zarnia79]

actually he seems to be improving today i gave him a water change and treated with melafix. i also gave him a lovely meal of bloodworm and he munched it down quite happily. i tested the ammonia again and it's spot on so hopefully cecil will be looking pretty again soon. . fingers and toes crossed of course. . thanks so much for your help. most appreciated x