Frog with clouded eyes

[Dutchess]

In my garden this afternoon, I found a frog who at first glance seemed to be blind. The eyes appeared to be opaque from the pondside (it was in the water.) So I reached in and was able to catch it straight away. Unfortunately, close up I could see the eyes were not only clouded, but they seemed to have an extra layer of skin across them, not the protective eyelid, but a permanent built-up layer of what looked like plastic!

I did a search on WAB and found nothing, so went on and did a bit of Googling. I found a few pictures and a information on the condition known as "panophthalmitis", which seems the most likely culprit. Probably caused by a bacterial infection, I am concerned now as to whether the rest of the amphibian community in my ponds are at risk.

I have read of cases where it has been treated with antibiotics, but this was for captive frogs. Does anyone here have any experience of this disease in frogs and or toads?

Thanks in advance.

D.

[Herpvet]

Hello,

It's obviously very difficult to say what the problem is without examining the frog and its eyes physically. I would advise getting the frog to a vet for full examination to better assess the problem and any treatment options.

In itself it is unlikely to be a sign of a disease that might affect others in the pond (such as ranavirus or chytrid), although it could be secondary to a high bacterial load or similar problem which could affect the population.

Hope this helps, and you can get it sorted out.

Bruce.

Originally Posted by Dutchess

In my garden this afternoon, I found a frog who at first glance seemed to be blind. The eyes appeared to be opaque from the pondside (it was in the water.) So I reached in and was able to catch it straight away. Unfortunately, close up I could see the eyes were not only clouded, but they seemed to have an extra layer of skin across them, not the protective eyelid, but a permanent built-up layer of what looked like plastic!

I did a search on WAB and found nothing, so went on and did a bit of Googling. I found a few pictures and a information on the condition known as "panophthalmitis", which seems the most likely culprit. Probably caused by a bacterial infection, I am concerned now as to whether the rest of the amphibian community in my ponds are at risk.

I have read of cases where it has been treated with antibiotics, but this was for captive frogs. Does anyone here have any experience of this disease in frogs and or toads?

Thanks in advance.

D.

[bigdave60dog]

keep your eye on it, it may just be changing its skin.
Dave

[Dutchess]

Thanks, Bruce and Dave. Obviously this doesn't seem to be a widespread or well-known problem judging by the lack of replies, so perhaps it's something peculiar to this particular frog.

I shall monitor the situation.

Cheers!

D.