Sick frog?

[werdnal]

Was cutting our grass earlier today, when I saw a very large frog on the side of our pond. He was about the size of my fist - probably the largest I have seen, but on closer inspection he appears to have a problem. He has a large ulcer or injury on the top of his back, and on being startled by my approach and entering the water, he looked a little lethargic and weak. He managed to swim off to the deeper water in the centre of our pond and disappeared, but I am now concerned that he could have some sort of infection/disease which may effect the other resident frogs, newts etc. He was also a rather striking colour - we usually see the familiar green and yellow frogs here, but this one was red/brown - almost the colour of the fallen sycamore leaves he was sitting amongst. Is this a natural colouration or a symptom of what is ailing him.

Just wondered if anyone can shed any light on this, and also if I can catch him what if any treatment there is? If not, should I try to dispatch him humanely and if so how?

Thanks

[eeyore]

you might find this link useful - it has a download fact sheet on native amphibian illnesses etc, very interesting site in general too Froglife - protecting amphibians and reptiles in the wild

[Digifrog]

Yes. Froglife will be able to give some advice, but I'm afraid there will be probably little you can do except be aware of any further problems. There may be ways of curbing Clytridiomycosis, but I doubt there is any effective cure. It's good always of course to have close looks at garden frogs just to see if they are OK.

Myself, I dont think it would probably help preventing such things from happening, but I buy Amphibian & Reptile vitamin powder from my local garden centre and apply at intervals to the pond.

Could you report back what the problem is? Would like to hear the diagnosis and possible treatment for sick frogs wherever & whenever I can.

Scott

[nightshade]

Best bet is to catch and examine it,there is a possibility it is a wound or damage from an attack by a predator or domestic cat/dog rather than a disease if it is a sick frog you can isolate it and get further advice
photos are always useful