Diagnosis and treatment of a parasitic dermatitis in a laboratory colony of African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis).

A parasitic dermatitis, caused by a nematode infestation of the epidermis, was diagnosed in 11 captive African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) by a histological examination of the skin. Eight of the animals died or were euthanased before effective treatment with levamisole was administered, and one frog died after being treated. Secondary infection with opportunistic pathogens may have been involved in the progression of the disease.