The studies that have been done were usually on one species at one temperature. Dose rates will vary with the temperature, renal function, hydration and ambient humidity. For example, the rate of gentamicin excretion in leopard frogs depends upon whether the frogs were kept wet or dry and upon the environmental temperature. As a general rule, dose rates for small mammals should be applied for warm, temperate and tropical species and aquatic species. Reptilian dose rates should be used for low temperatures and for poorly hydrated animals.
Percutaneous therapy is useful because of the permeability of amphibian skin.
Anesthetics, antibiotics and antihelmintics can be effective when used in water or dropped onto the skin. Percutaneous therapy is also useful for rehydration by misting animals or soaking them in water.