NOTE:  Health and medication is a sensitive subject. Any questions or concerns regarding newts' diseases, infections and/or general health questions should be dealt with on a more personal and individual basis. Please email me directly at newtlover@hotmail.com. Understand that I have had direct experience with this subject, however each newt and therefore each case may be different and thus require different treatments and/or methods. A vet, most importantly an exotic vet that specializes in amphibians/reptiles, is a valuable asset as these vets are more familiar with these complex creatures and can often test without using injections to determine the exact disease and prescribe size specific doses of effective medications!

One cannot generalize all diseases so easily. As with humans, newts may exhibit symptoms which may indicate several different illnesses, thus requiring more detailed inspection in order to pin-point the exact illness and therefore the proper treatment. Fungal infections, for example, are visible by similar symptoms, generally white spots or patches, however there is more than one type of fungus disease and therefore more than one treatment option.

Also keep in mind that newts' skin is very porous, thus affecting the types and amounts of medication which may be used. Basic hygiene, regular maintenance, proper temperature and a stress-free environment will greatly aid in reducing the risk of disease and infection.

Medication is always a last resort. Treating a newt which is not ill, or for a disease they do not have can actually cause more harm than good. Unnecessary treatments will weaken the newts' immune system, reducing their chance to fight off any virus, and may even make the newt ill. With a weakened defence system, bacteria and other organisms can attack the newts' system, thus causing illness and disease.

A quarantine tank is always recommended for any disease or suspected illness to prevent spreading to existing populations.

Products:

CHEMICAL MEDICATIONS: Commonly used to treat infections and disease in amphibians are standard fish medications such as the Mardel Laboratory products. All are standard chemical based and can be very harmful, even fatal to caudates unless properly used. Again, this is not something which can be summed up in a few words or categorized. Once symptoms are visible, diseases at that point  unfortunately have almost run its course. Instinctively, newts and salamanders will conceal their illness as a defence mechanism to ward off predators which would otherwise attack the vulnerable creature. This makes treatment difficult. Once symptoms arise pin-pointing the disease, the cause and therefore treatment options must be precise and done quickly. The above mentioned chemical medications can be effective providing the proper medication is used and the treatment method is followed precisely. Chemical medications are absorbed through caudates porous skin and can reach toxic levels, causing death quickly. Dosages must be diluted, partial water changes done every other day, measured and administered properly to prevent the possibility of overdose. A recommended method is to administer the medication in the form of daily baths for short periods of time, thus reducing the possibility of toxicity or overmedicating. If using chemical medications administered into the water versus the suggested baths it is important to remember that this will destroy any beneficial bacteria if using a biological filtration system.

NOTE:  When the expiration date of medications is reached, dispose of them.  DO NOT USE EXPIRED MEDICATIONS!!  Most medications will lose effectiveness and potency over time having little or no effect, but some medications such as Tetracycline will actually become toxic past its expiration date!

If illness is suspected please email me immediately for advice. Again, as stated above medication is always a last resort and should never be used as a preventative measure, especially chemical based products!
 

HERBAL REMEDIES: With the new millennia has come a new age in medications, not only for humans but animals as well: homeopathic remedies. Although in its early stages this path seems quite promising. One such product is called MelaFix by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Inc. MelaFix is an all-natural, herbal remedy for the treatment and prevention of many common diseases; primarily anti-bacterial but treats minor cases of fungus. Sold and marketed for fish, this product has been used effectively for amphibians as well. And unlike the above mentioned chemical medications, MelaFix and herbal products are safe, non-toxic and contains NO chemicals. These products have been used when introducing new additions to the habitat, or during transportation as a preventative measure to help alleviate stress, however I am a firm believer in "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Therefore I do not recommend the use of any medication herbal or non as a preventative measure. This can, in the case of caudates (newts and salamanders) cause more harm than good.

In response to the controversy surrounding the use of MelaFix on amphibians, although it has taken many months collecting data and contacting the company I am satisfied now more than ever that MelaFix is as safe as stated and tested. This product contains only 1% Meleluca oil and 99% inert ingredients (herbs), further diluted by 10 gallons of water and when used as directed poses no threat to the safety of amphibians. For complete details about the MelaFix experiments, lab reports and other data please feel free to email me.

If experiencing any signs of potential problems such as decreased or lack of appetite and/or unusual behaviour, please email me immediately.         

IMPORTANT:  A newt which does not eat, hides frequently and/or is inactive does not necessarily indicate illness. There are many factors besides illness to consider such as hygiene: Are you handling your newts excessively causing high stress levels? Set up: Are your newts housed with foreign species or perhaps a dominant newt which may also be causing high stress? Water temperature: Newts prefer cool temperatures. Therefore is the temperature too warm? Feeding: What foods have been offered? Perhaps the item (s) are inappropriate or not of interest. As you can see there are many specific questions and factors which must be considered BEFORE disease is suspected and medication/treatment prescribed!
 

For further information, including detailed articles and pictures of common ailments feel free to check out Caudate Central.