Words by Isla Harvey
Pictures by Ark Animal Hospital / Barcroft Pacific
A tiny frog that was sliced apart by a lawnmower has survived after
extensive surgery in Australia.
A vet, who admitted to having a “soft spot for frogs,” saved the
amphibian in a difficult 30-minute operation at the Ark Animal
Hospital in the Northern Territory.
Full story and pictures:
The female tree frog, which has been named Victoria after the Victa
brand of lawnmowers, had the skin on her back cut off by the blades
and had to be anesthetised then stitched up in the op.
Dedicated vet Stephen Cutter said she certainly would have died if she
hadn’t been brought to the veterinary clinic.
“It was a pretty horrific injury,” he said.
“It basically took the top layer of the skin off and did some internal
injuries.”
“But from day one she fought to live. It’s very lucky to be alive.”
Frogs are very delicate and sensitive to chemicals and toxins. Dettol,
which is good for cleaning human, wounds would be fatal for a frog.
Dr Cutter said: “We had to be really careful when using any products
on her, especially when cleaning out the wound. Frogs have reasonably
loose skin so we just pulled it together and sewed it up.”
Dr Cutter said it is not the first time he had operated on a frog.
“I have a soft spot for frogs and have operated on quite a lot of
them,” he said.
“Frogs are declining worldwide and we are lucky to have lots in the
Territory.
“But they like to hang around places where humans frequent so
unfortunately they do get injured.
“I’ve even operated on frogs that have been hit by cars.”
Victoria has made a good recovery and is now ready for release at
Nina’s Ark on the outskirts of Litchfield National Park near
Batchelor, about 100km south of Darwin.
“She looks great,” said Dr Cutter.
“She has a very good chance of living a long and healthy life.”
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