FAQs about frogs and toads: swollen animal

Female frogs and toads may look swollen with eggs (Sam Taylor)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... frogs and toads:

I've found a swollen frog / toad, what's wrong?

Female amphibians become noticeably swollen with eggs in spring. This is completely natural and they normally return to a smaller size once they have spawned.

Two other causes of swollen amphibians are occasionally reported to Amphibian and Reptile Conservation:

Egg-bound females: In spring or early summer a swollen amphibian could be a female that is egg-bound - where eggs fail to pass properly through the reproductive system. Try contacting a vet about it; most vets treat wild animals for free but do ring first as many may not be confident treating amphibians.

'Bloated frogs': Sometimes Amphibian and Reptile Conservation receives reports of frogs (or other amphibians) that become noticeably bloated. The bloating is apparent even in the upper body of the frog, rather that only the belly (which is indicative of carrying eggs). This unusual bloating is thought to be related to a hormonal imbalance which pulls water into the frog's body causing it to swell. According to our enquiries, symptoms often appear to subside over time.

If you have found a bloated amphibian that's dead this is likely to have occurred after death, especially if it died in the pond, rather than being a symptom of something that killed it.

More information:

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Amphibian disease. >>>

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