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#1758058
Leosmom
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Concerned: tadpole swims upside down, has swollen belly 
My son is raising leopard frog tadpoles - 8 out of 10 have survived and are at the stage of growing back legs. One (the biggest) started swimming upside down 5 days ago and yesterday it’s stomach started ballooning up, like it’s filled with air. He still swims and is growing, but I’m afraid he’s going to pop. The rest all seem fine and healthy. I’ve tried very hard to follow instructions on water changes, feeding, etc. Anyone know what’s happening to this guy? Is he doomed for death or is there something I can do?
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06/11/08 04:31pm
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#1758111
Clawedfrogsrule
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Message To: Leosmom In reference to Message Id: 1758058
Concerned: tadpole swims upside down, has swollen belly
It sounds like it might be dropsy, you should separate him for now. There are medications you can use for dropsy, and some people use salt in the water, but I’m not completely sure about the specifics so you should probably google that.
I wouldn’t say he’s completely doomed for death, but it can be deadly if untreated, and from what I understand it’s pretty contagious.
Good luck.
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06/11/08 05:34pm
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#1758231
Leosmom
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Message To: Clawedfrogsrule In reference to Message Id: 1758111
Concerned: tadpole swims upside down, has swollen belly
Thanks - I did google dropsy and found that my water is probably contaminated so I have done a complete water change and cleaned the tank. It could just be bacteria in the tank (not actually dropsy), but it looks like whether it’s a bacterial infection or dropsy, they both are caused by a problem with the water.
I have separated the 2 (yes, now there are 2) upside down swimmers. I am going to the pet store in the morning to try and get some medication, but not sure if tadpoles can use the same medications used for fish. Thanks for the suggestion and if anyone else has any specific recommendations on medications to use please let me know.
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06/11/08 07:58pm
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#1762771
Leosmom
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Message To: Clawedfrogsrule In reference to Message Id: 1758111
Concerned: tadpole swims upside down, has swollen belly
Thanks so much - I treated my sick guy with Maracyn II and put a little aquarium salt in too. After one week he is MUCH better and I am starting to think he might actually pull through - his belly is almost normal and he is swimming, almost right side up now. If anyone else has this problem, just make sure you aren’t overfeeding (I think I was putting way too much food in) and change part of the water every other day. If you get it the Maracyn II definitely worked in my case - whether he will survive long-term is still not known but at least he’s not miserable.
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06/16/08 02:47pm
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#1763773
Clawedfrogsrule
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Message To: Leosmom In reference to Message Id: 1762771
Concerned: tadpole swims upside down, has swollen belly
That’s great, I’m so glad it’s working!
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06/17/08 11:26am
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