Torticollis in Frogs – Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

In frog farming, maintaining a healthy stock and an ideal rearing environment is essential. Twisted neck disease in frogs is being reported more and more in farming systems, causing losses in herd health and production efficiency. To help frog farmers recognize this condition early, take proactive preventive measures, and handle it effectively, Vemedim would like to share practical information on the causes and solutions for farmers to apply in the content below.

Causes of twisted neck disease in frogs

Twisted neck disease in frogs usually appears in the fingerling stage or in market-size frogs at around 50 frogs/kg, when the frogs’ resistance is still weak and they are easily attacked by harmful agents. Some of the main causes of twisted neck disease in frogs include:

Pseudomonas sp. or Aeromonas sp. bacteria: These are common bacteria in polluted water environments, capable of attacking the nervous system, causing severe inflammation that leads to blindness and twisted neck.
Inbreeding: Using broodstock that are closely related results in weak offspring that are prone to congenital defects such as twisted neck, crooked body, or protruding eyes.
Poor environmental conditions: Contaminated pond water, waste accumulation, lack of oxygen, fluctuating pH, or overly dense stocking all create favorable conditions for pathogens to develop.
Unbalanced nutrition: Deficiencies in vitamin A, D, or minerals can weaken the cornea and nervous system, making frogs more susceptible to disease.

*The main cause of twisted neck disease in frogs is Pseudomonas sp. or Aeromonas sp. bacteria present in polluted water environments*

>> See more: Solutions for treating some diseases in frogs

Signs of twisted neck disease in frogs

When frogs are infected, farmers can easily observe the following symptoms with the naked eye:

The frog’s eyes are swollen and red, the eyelids are inflamed, or there is discharge of pus.
The spine is curved, the neck is twisted, the head is tilted, and the frog cannot keep its balance while swimming, often swimming in circles or flipping onto its back.
The frogs stop feeding, growth slows, and after a few days, if not treated, mass mortality may occur.
Some mildly affected frogs may survive but become deformed, reducing their market value.

The disease often appears more frequently during the hot season, when high temperatures cause bacteria to multiply rapidly and pond water to become easily contaminated.

*Twisted neck disease in frogs often appears during the hot season and is commonly found in polluted ponds*

Effective prevention measures for twisted neck disease in frogs

Prevention is always the most economical and effective measure. To reduce the risk of blindness and twisted neck disease, farmers should implement the following measures in a synchronized manner:

Select healthy stock, avoid inbreeding

Use frog seed from unrelated, healthy broodstock with no deformities.
Buy stock from reputable facilities with quarantine certification, and do not purchase floating or unverified stock on the market.

Manage a clean and stable rearing environment

Maintain a clean water source and change the water regularly 1–2 times/day (for cement tanks).
Periodically disinfect pond or tank water with Vemedim Fresh Water, Vemedim Disina or Vemedim BKC 80% to eliminate pathogens in the environment.
Maintain pH at 6.5–7.5, dissolved oxygen above 4 mg/L, and avoid water temperatures rising above 33°C.

Boost frog resistance

Mix Vitamin C, digestive enzymes, organic minerals such as Xylazym, Figrow For Fish, Vemedim Vime Senic E… into feed to further enhance natural immunity.
Use probiotics such as Vemedim Vime Subtyl to stabilize the pond microbiota, reduce odors, and inhibit harmful bacteria.
Periodically mix Doxycycline or Colistin (at the veterinary recommended dose) into feed for 3–5 days to prevent bacterial invasion.

*Selecting healthy frog stock, keeping the pond clean, and proactively boosting resistance are effective ways to prevent twisted neck disease in frogs*

How to handle twisted neck disease in frogs

When signs of disease are detected in the frog stock, immediate action is needed to prevent spread, using the following measures:

Isolate or remove severely ill frogs; do not keep them with healthy stock.
Disinfect the entire pond or tank with IODINE 90 (PVP IODINE) at a dose of 5–10 ml/m³ of water or GLUTARIDE 90 (3–7 ml/m³ of water), applied evenly throughout the pond.
After 6 hours, replace with fresh water and apply CaCO₃ lime powder at a dose of 10 g/m³, continuously for 3–4 days.
For mildly affected frogs, they can be bathed in 2% salt water for 5–10 minutes to disinfect the surface and reduce eye swelling.
Stop feeding for the first 1–2 days, then resume feeding with a ration supplemented with antibiotics or vitamins to restore health.

*When twisted neck disease is detected in the pond, diseased frogs must be removed and the entire pond or tank disinfected with IODINE 90 or GLUTARIDE 90*

Twisted neck disease in frogs is not just an isolated sign; it may be a warning of rearing-environment problems, care conditions, or bacterial infection that, if ignored, can severely affect the stock. Applying good stock selection, maintaining a stable rearing environment, and managing nutrition and resistance are the keys to preventing twisted neck disease. With Vemedim’s support and solutions, farmers can be more confident in managing their frog stock, aiming for a healthy, efficient, and sustainable crop. Contact Vemedim now for in-depth consultation and technical support when needed!