Mayer replies:

A picture taken during the follow up examination shows the frog from a different angle, and supports our identification, as you can clearly see the characteristic white stripe (Fig. 1).

Figure 1
figure 1

The characteristic white stripe along the jaw (arrow) of a green tree frog (Hyla cinerea).

Full size image

Concerning classical redleg, I agree with Brazaitis' points. This particular case is not a textbook presentation of redleg syndrome. I submitted this case to the magazine because the lesion was so clearly visible and identifiable for even the novice observer. Figure 2 shows an amphibian patient displaying typical signs of redleg. For the untrained eye it would be a bit more difficult to diagnose the dilated vessels and reddish discoloration of the ventrum as something abnormal.

Figure 2
figure 2

A frog displaying the typical signs of redleg.

Full size image

Since I work at a veterinary school, I always try to teach my students interesting cases. I thought that this case, although not typical redleg, would draw attention to my favorite animals, the amphibians, and demonstrate that it is quite possible to practice good medicine on such patients, instead of declaring “there is nothing you can do about it.”

During my appointment with the caretaker I took the time to ask very specific questions about the husbandry, since I suspected a traumatic incident as a primary lesion that progressed into the septic event.

Again, I agree with Brazaitis' assessment of the case. My primary goal with this article was to introduce the readership to the fascinating world of amphibian medicine, and to educate them about the etiology of the term 'redleg'.