One of the biggest challenges amphibian owners face is providing complete and proper nutrition to their pets. In the wild, amphibians eat a wide variety of foods. When amphibians are kept as pets, their diet is less varied. Moreover, most of their diet consists of food items that are raised in captivity, which are not as healthy and nutritious as their wild counterparts.
Amphibians can also develop nutritional diseases if their environmental conditions are not perfect, and environmental needs can vary by species.
Metabolic Bone Disease
Pet amphibians can develop metabolic bone disease if their diet lacks the proper balance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 or if they aren't exposed to enough ultraviolet B (UVB) light, which their bodies need to make vitamin D3. Metabolic bone disease is common in amphibians that are fed only invertebrates (animals without backbones, such as insects) without any supplements (see Diet for Amphibians). Except for earthworms, most invertebrates contain little calcium, and cricket-only diets are especially risky.
Signs of metabolic bone disease in amphibians include a soft or deformed lower jaw, fractures, and a curved spine (scoliosis). In severe cases, animals may become weak and have muscle spasms or seizures.
A vet can diagnose metabolic bone disease using x-rays to detect thinning bone layers, jaw and bone deformities, disease-related fractures, and sometimes digestive gas. The vet may also do blood tests to check the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
Treatment includes correcting the diet with calcium supplements, providing UVB lighting, and sometimes giving vitamin D3 supplements. The vet’s plan should be followed closely.
Thiamine (Vitamin B) Deficiency
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is an important nutrient for amphibians. Thiamine deficiency (a lack of thiamine in the body) often occurs when amphibians are fed frozen fish that contains a substance called thiaminase, which destroys thiamine. The nervous system is especially affected.
Signs of thiamine deficiency in amphibians include tremors, seizures, and severe arching of the back and neck.
Treatment starts with a thiamine injection from a veterinarian, followed by adding thiamine supplements to meals.
This vitamin deficiency in amphibians can be prevented by routinely supplementing diets with 250 mg of thiamine per 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of fish fed.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A is an important nutrient for pet amphibians, and deficiency results from low vitamin A levels in available food sources.
Signs of vitamin A deficiency include changes in the mouth and "short tongue syndrome." Swollen eyelids and reproductive problems can also occur.
Treatment of vitamin A deficiency usually includes an initial injection of vitamin A by a veterinarian followed by supplementation of vitamin A in the diet or on food items. In some cases, specific types of vitamin A may be added to the skin. Pet owners should always check with a vet before using any products on an amphibian's skin.
Obesity
Obesity in amphibians is considered a disease, and overfeeding is the main cause. Many amphibians will continue to eat as long as food is available. Obesity puts extra stress on the body and affects how the internal organs function. A vet can feel an amphibian's body for fat deposits. In female amphibians, a test called ultrasonography, which uses sound waves to create pictures of internal organs (just as a pregnant woman typically has), may be needed to distinguish fat deposits from eggs.
Treating obesity in active species may involve providing a larger enclosure (allowing for more exercise) and keeping temperatures at the higher end of the preferred range to boost the animal's metabolism—without exceeding safe limits (see Housing for Amphibians). Decreasing food portions also helps. An experienced vet can provide feeding guidance.
See also Diet for Amphibians.
