View source for Red-leg Syndrome

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Also Known As: '''''Red-leg Disease'''''

==Introduction==
'''Red-leg syndrome''' is a serious condition in '''amphibians''' that is caused by '''septicaemia'''. The most common causative organism is '''''[[Aeromonas hydrophila]]''''', but infection with other ''[[Aeromonas species|Aeromonas spp.]]'' and [[Gram Negative Bacteria - Overview|Gram-negative]] organisms such as ''[[Pseudomonas species - Overview|Pseudomonas]]'' and ''[[Proteus|Proteus spp.]]'' can also result in the disease. Infection normally occurs secondary to '''poor husbandry and sanitation''', or the feeding of '''contaminated foodstuffs'''.

==Clinical Signs==
The clinical signs associated with the septicaemia are '''erythema''' and '''full-thickness ulceration''' of the skin - particularly on the '''limbs'''. Systemic signs such as anorexia and lethargy are seen prior to '''death'''. Mortality rates are high. 

==Diagnosis==
The clinical signs are very suggestive of the condition, but '''specific microbiological culture''' is necessary to confirm diagnosis. A '''thioglycholate broth''' that is incubated at '''30°C''' at a '''reduced oxygen''' atmosphere is used to grow the bacterium.

==Treatment==
Any affected or in-contact frogs should be placed in '''isolation''', in tanks with a low stocking density. High levels of''' hygiene''' should be maintained until healing has occurred.

There are two options for medical treatment:
* Administration of an effective '''[[Antibiotics|bacteriocidal antibiotic]]''' (based on culture and sensitivity) '''orally or intramuscularly''' to individual frogs.
* Administration of '''[[Fluoroquinolones|enrofloxacin]]''' to the '''tank water''' of the affected frogs.

==Control==
Husbandry measures such as '''strict quarantine, high hygiene standards and dietary control''' can prevent outbreaks.

==Prognosis==
As Gram-negative organisms are normally very virulent in amphibians, the prognosis is '''guarded to poor'''.

{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 08]]
}}

==References==
Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''

Maclean, B (2006) '''Common dermatoses of ornamental fish and amphibians''' ''In Practice 2006 28: 604-613''


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[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]