African Dwarf Frog Belly Swelling

Hey guys, I'm new at African Dwarf Frog keeping but I've done all the research I could before I got Axel, my frog I've had for a few months now. I have Axel alone in a 3 gallon Tetra cube tank with my own (better) filter. He was fine when I first got him, although it took him awhile to figure out how to eat what I was feeding him (sinking aquatic frog pellets and frozen brine shrimp alternated every other day). He looked the same weight (see: first ) for the first few months I had him, and recently, about a week or so ago, he seemed to have gained weight just in the belly area (see: other pictures). He is still just as active as he always has been, roaming his tank during the day, and relaxing on his leaf at the top of the water at night. I am currently in the process of getting tests for his water (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, etc), but otherwise I've been worried that it might be bloat/dropsy. Usually in dropsy, though, the whole frog swells up, including face and limbs, and it's just Axel's belly that looks a bit swollen. I felt it today and it feels squishy like fluid. What do you guys think?

 

Welcome to FishLore!
The 1st picture, when you first got him, he is too thin. When was the 2nd picture taken? See his toes? They are misshapen. Were they like that when you got him?
The 3rd pic, of course the bloat is very visible.

It's hard to give a definitive answer.
Could be dropsy but then again then could be acute bloat. If it's bloat, ADF's can often live with it without issue.
After you get your water tested post the results.
Sometimes just getting that straightened out helps.

 

Welcome to FishLore!
The 1st picture, when you first got him, he is too thin. When was the 2nd picture taken? See his toes? They are misshapen. Were they like that when you got him?
The 3rd pic, of course the bloat is very visible.

It's hard to give a definitive answer.
Could be dropsy but then again then could be acute bloat. If it's bloat, ADF's can often live with it without issue.
After you get your water tested post the results.
Sometimes just getting that straightened out helps.

HI Lucy, thank you for the quick response!
He did look a little thin when I first got him. I don't think the pet store cared for their frogs very well.
The second picture and the third picture were taken just today, however he has looked exactly like that for about a week.
Yes, his toes were like that when I got him. They look fractured, like the handlers at the pet store were rough with their frogs. It makes me sad.

What is the difference between acute bloat and dropsy?

 

Wow, from the side (2nd picture) he doesn't look that bad.

Bloat can be fluid retention or sometimes air.
Dropsy is fluid with the kidneys affected. Unfortunatly, most often this is fatal.
Both can be caused by poor water conditions amongst other things possibly bacterial infection.

I have seen where Epsom salt baths may help. Personally I didn't have luck with that. I have also seen antibiotics recommended. Not all fish meds are frog safe.
In my case was my fault. I slacked on water changes. I didn't test but it's a good bet the nitrates were high. Once I got that under control one frog eventually went back to normal for a short time but swelled again. He's been living a happy, very chubby life for months now. Sadly the other didn't make it.

So, really the direction you go depends on what caused it and that we can only guess on. :/

Oh, the toes.....it's possible they ere damaged by poor handling especially if they net their frogs but also can be a symptom of poor water quality.

Sorry, I know that's not much help. Probably nothing you haven't already read about.

 

Wow, from the side (2nd picture) he doesn't look that bad.

Bloat can be fluid retention or sometimes air.
Dropsy is fluid with the kidneys affected. Unfortunatly, most often this is fatal.
Both can be caused by poor water conditions amongst other things possibly bacterial infection.

I have seen where Epsom salt baths may help. Personally I didn't have luck with that. I have also seen antibiotics recommended. Not all fish meds are frog safe.
In my case was my fault. I slacked on water changes. I didn't test but it's a good bet the nitrates were high. Once I got that under control one frog eventually went back to normal for a short time but swelled again. He's been living a happy, very chubby life for months now. Sadly the other didn't make it.

So, really the direction you go depends on what caused it and that we can only guess on. :/

Oh, the toes.....it's possible they ere damaged by poor handling especially if they net their frogs but also can be a symptom of poor water quality.

Sorry, I know that's not much help. Probably nothing you haven't already read about.

I think I tend to worry too much about the little guy, since he's my buddy. I think I might give the epsom salt bath a try, I read about that not too long ago.
Isn't it shocking that he can look so much chubbier while laying down on his leaf? I think it's because he's all scrunched-up.
I'm sorry about your frog affected with dropsy, but you tried your best to help him when you could, and I want to do as much as I can as well--especially since I've recently considered getting him a tankmate (another froggy). I'm glad your other buddy is alive and well, that gives me more hope for Axel.
I'm definitely putting water quality on my priority list. I may be able to get it checked tomorrow, but I'll keep you updated. Thanks again for your help

 

Thanks, hated that it happened especially since I raised them from eggs.

Post the readings tomorrow. Hopefully that will shed some light and it's just a matter of getting the conditions under control. Alex is such a cutie.

If you decide to get him a buddy be sure to quarantine any new frogs for at least 2 months.
Important - Chytrid Fungus in ADF's and ACF's

There are others on the forum who keep frogs. Maybe they'll have some better suggestions.

 

How is your frog doing Hannah?