Rough Skin Newt Problem

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Posted by EdK on May 02, 2003 at 21:51:00:

In Reply to: Rough Skin Newt Problem posted by axanthus on May 02, 2003 at 18:19:00:

Having used the paper towel idea in the course of my work for over ten years now I am well aware of the limitations as well as the advantages to this method for many species. However there are some points that need to be understood about this method.
While replacing the substrate may be of use in some cases this may be contraindicated in other cases as the daily handling can have a negative impact on the health of the animal (increased stress). In many terrestrial species (not really the case here but the comment is warrented due to the generic advice), daily replacement of the substrate can have significant impact on the health and behavior of the animal as you will be removing territorial markers and other pheremonal cues. The removal of these markers can lead to an increased stress level which can lead to "clinical depression" as well as possibly causing the animal to have maladaption syndrome aka "failure to thrive". Unless the towels are being used as part of an attempt to medicate the animal (such as a bath for chytrid) once or twice a week changes are often sufficent.
There are researchers that may not disturb an animal to change the towels for up to six weeks. (Try a literature search for Desmognathus and Houck as I don't remember the citation off hand). Gravid females were left alone without being disturbed for up to six weeks to allow the salamander to oviposit on damp filter paper (which by the way is bleached). For the effects of stress on the animals I highly recommend 1995, Health and Welfare of Captive Reptiles, Edited by Warwick, Clifford; Frye, Fredric L.; Murphy, James B., Chapman & Hall, London.
Ed

:The point in using non-bleached paper towels is that they can be replaced often (everyday) which can at least reduce the production of the bacteria.

:
::First off bacteria are pretty much omnipresent in all setups including the damp unbleached paper towel example. If its moist then there is no difference to the bacteria between damp and full aquatic, there is sufficent mositure for Pseudomonas and Aeromonas.
::Depending upon the antibiotic; baths may not be the best route for administering the antibiotic as it is often hard to get a theraputic level of antibiotic into the animal. ALso the majority of DIY antibiotics are not useful due to drug resistance.
::Ed

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