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Handling and Restraining Frogs and
Toads
There are several methods for the handling of frogs for inspection, injection,
or passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging. Other procedures such
as operations to implant radio transmitters require anesthetization of
the frog.
Whether to wear GLOVES when handling frogs is balanced between the welfare
of the frog and the handler. Gloves can damage the frogs through abrading
their skin, which can then produce lesions and fungal and bacterial infections
- http://www.xlaevis.com/handling.html.
However, some people can be allergic to skin secretions - and some exotic
frogs can have very toxic secretions. There is also the possibility of
pathogen transmission - such as mycobacteria and chlymidea from frog
to humans or the reverse - however, such incidents are rare and both diseases
are treatable if detected - http://tropicalis.berkeley.edu/home/obtaining_embryos/hcg/hCG.html.
"THIGH HOLD" This method enables the maximum access
and observation of
frogs is the. In this method grasping the legs just above
the knee joint holds the frog. This body of the frog is then exposed from
all directions for inspection. Care must be taken not to grab the rear
of the legs if the frog slips away. Better to capture it again after it
lands as the knee joints can be damaged.
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With one operator and a sharp needle the frog
can then be injected in the dorsal lymph sac.
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With two operators, by letting the frog reach
out and grasping its forearms between the your thumb and index
finger, the back is exposed for the insertion of PIT tags by the
other operator. PIT tags are notorious for loss. With some species
the tag can be rolled over the back to the side opposite the injection.
In others it can be rolled toward the belly.
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PIT Tags
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"TOWEL WRAP"
This method to restrain frogs uses a wet paper towel to hold
the frog against a firm surface. The legs can then be extended
and also restrained under the towel. Working the thumb and fingers
along the frog will then enable the removal of the towel with
the back of the frog exposed for injection. This method can
also be used to prepare a frog for the "THIGH HOLD."
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"CRADLE"
This method is used when large numbers of frogs are to be injected.
It is efficient and convenient; however, it requires some skill.
There are two versions of the 'Iron claw'. In the first version
the frog is held with its belly in your palm, its head pointing
toward your wrist, and your index finger between its legs. Once
settled draw the legs in, this effectively immobilizes the frog
and enables injection of its exposed back. The other method
of the 'Iron claw' is to simply grasp the frog with the head
held with the index finger and fifth digit and the rump and
legs restrained by the thumb.
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"CRADLE BELLY UP"
This method is used when injections are made through peritoneum
into the peritoneal cavity. The frog is held in a similar manner
to the "Iron claw", however, with the bell exposed.
Because of the risk of perforating the intestines etc. the needle
should be inserted toward the head just anterior to - and above
the thigh.
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