Question:(No amphibian group??)
I noticed the poor toad a couple days ago in this condition and then again today. He lives at the edge of my garden pond in his regular hiding place, which is where I found him. I took a picture of his foot and its linked below.
Is there something I could apply to his foot to help him, such as hydrogen peroxide, betidine, or a similar medicine?
Here is the link: The picture is a bit graphic...
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1300/8695...
Answers:
First of all, toads don't lick their own wounds.
There may not be anything you can do for it, but I have had success by doing the following:
Place the toad into a CLEAN sterile container, such as a rubbermaid. No substrate or cage decorations. Put a small amount of water in there, and prop one end up so the water pools in one end. Get some anti-fungal medication from a tropical fish store, and put it in the water.
The goal with this is to allow the wound to heal without becoming infected. You must keep the enclosure clean everyday.
Store the container in a dark cool place.
Continue feeding it insects and earthworms, removing uneaten food and stools.
Also, check the wound to make sure it was not caused by a fly laying its eggs there, if so, you will need to carefully remove the maggots.
The wound will either heal, or the toad will die. But, it is very unlikely to survive in the wild at this point.
animals take care of themselves in the wild with their saliva (which is like first aid cream to them) anything we would have to offer some animals is too strong, or they will lick it and die. Sometimes it's survival of the fittest. Sometimes they can get along for years. Sometimes their lifespan is to multiply and leave the planet. I know you are concerned but there's nothing really a person can do without spending lots of money. If it's a wild animal then only certain vets can take care of them, most of which aren't willing to. Some people take in animals to nurse them back to health and the animal passes anyway. Life is life and you've already done your part by your concern. Say a little prayer and move on.
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