Nodules with calcium deposit in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802) tadpole and imago

Abstract

It is described the occurrence of nodule in tadpole and imago of bullfrog Rana catesbeiana in São Paulo State, Brazil. Initially it was observed a great mortality of tadpole in metamorphosis phases and after that the mortality was also observed in imago and young frogs. For tadpoles this pathology was noted in subcutaneous tissue of on the tail and posterior portion of head. The nodules were round, with 2,0 3.0 mm of diameter with a dense content The histopathological examination showed a calcium deposit inside the nodulation without abscess characteristic because of the lack of inflammatory cells. The bacteriological examination of the same material revealed the presence of Streptococcus spp; Corynebacterium spp; Citrobacter freundii and Aeromonas hydrophila. The search of alcohol-acid-resistant rods was negative. The principal hypothesis formulated for this occurrence was by metabolic cause, subsequently an infective process