Scuba the Tiger Salamander visited a specialist exotic vet last week to address swollen tissue around his eyes. The vet figured that he had both an eye and skin infection and discussed several medications to treat it. One that she prescribed is a topical antibiotic that is administered on his skin.
Topical medications are less useful in humans with our thick, waterproof skin that is designed to keep water in and foreign particles out. Amphibians, on the other hand, have thin, slimy skin. The skin is so highly permeable that they can absorb oxygen through their skin. They can easily absorb chemicals, too, and is one reason amphibian populations can take a major hit in habitats with heavy pollution. But that permeability can also help us deliver useful medications without forcing a syringe in his mouth or poking him with a needle.
After just a few days on the antibiotics, Scuba started lunging for worms like he used. I hope that means he is already starting to feel better!
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