My salamander has skin infection. Can Stress Coat Plus help, or what else?

There are several possibilities including bacterial or fungal overgrowth. Check the temperature of the enclosure. Tigers do well between 50F and 75F. Anything above 80F for an extended period of time can predispose them to heat stress. Change the substrate completely. Normally, this should be done every 3-4 months. Spot clean poop whenever you can. The best substrate is an organic, pesticide/fertilizer free topsoil or local topsoil. Coconut fiber, or coir, can be used but will require more frequent maintenance or changing. The substrate should be moist but not dripping if you squeeze a handful. Depth should be a minimum of 5 inches. Once any corrections are made, if required, monitor your salamander for more spots. If they return or if your salamander remains lethargic, consider an exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to diagnose illness or injury.

It needs to be separated into a hospital tank by itself so it can be treated and heal. If you leave it in the main tank, the others will continue to pick and nip until it dies. Maintain pristine water quality and chemistry during treatment. You can use a broad spectrum antibiotic for 10-14 days to treat infection. You can find one, such as Maracyn 1 or 2, Kanaplex or Furan, in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

Tetracycline is commonly used in this species, however it is poorly absorbed if mixed into the water. The best way to treat with tetracycline is to give it orally. Ideally, the frog should be physically examined by a veterinarian experienced in treating amphibians. A dose can be given after the exam. Aid in treatment and recovery by maintaining pristine water quality and environmental conditions. Since tetracycline can cause light sensitivity, you may need to limit lighting (UVB and natural) for a couple weeks during and after treatment.

It could be early ich (white spot) infection or another infection (bacterial or fungal). To be safe, separate him into a quarantine tank and monitor for any change. You can treat for ich as you did it in the past if indicated. Bacterial and fungal infections have different treatments, so I would be hesitant to recommend a specific medication without more information or a definitive diagnosis. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or Epsom salt). As a general tonic to reduce stress, increase gill function, treat minor infection of many types and to aid in recovery. This can be added to the quarantine tank at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess the condition.

Pimafix is an acceptable "natural" antifungal treatment. Melafix is for bacterial infections. Kanamycin, erythromycin or metronidazole are good broad spectrum antibiotics. Fungus Cure (by API) is an excellent antifungal. You can find these medications in the aquarium section of most pet stores or even online. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. The cornerstone of any treatment is to first maintain pristine water quality and stable chemistry.

I would be concerned about possible fungal infection. If you cannot make it to a vet I would recommend placing them in a dry environment three times a day for 20-30 minutes. You can buy iodine and dilute it a lot and apply small amount to the lesions. Also some pet stores have drops to place in water of tank to help with fungal growth.

Thanks for reaching out about your salamander. The water temperature for the bath should match the habitat water temperature as changed in temperature are very stressful. Bacterial and fungal treatments are different so a diagnosis will help. As for food, you will have to contact the vendor directly. It is very difficult to syringe feed salamanders. You should consider a veterinary visit as this sounds serious. Good luck.