FAQs about newts: swollen animal

Female newts may look swollen with eggs (Fred Holmes)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... newts:

I've found a swollen newt, 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.

'Bloated amphibians': Sometimes Amphibian and Reptile Conservation received reports of amphibians., primarily frogs, 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 though 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:

Find my nearest vet. >>>

Identifying amphibians. >>>

Amphibian disease. >>>