Fridging after attack - slow healing arm

[Wolfpretzel]

Hi all,

Thanks to this wonderful forum, I have been successfully treating one of my axolotls (Shadow - an original name for a melanoid) after he was attacked by my other axie Pery (a golden albino). He has been in the fridge for a week after being chomped in a few places (end of tail and 2 gill 'fronds' bitten off, one arm savaged and most likely broken, other arm & legs bitten with toes missing / skinned).

These injuries were a result of 2 seperate attacks a week apart (the tail, 'fronds' and smaller nicks being the first). After the first attack I was treating the tank using API's Pimafix and he was eating normally. Just under a week later Pery attacked again and so I decided it was fridging time.

Shadow hasn't eaten since I put him in the fridge - which I know is normal so it doesn't bother me. He has been healing well apart from the savaged right arm and I am wondering if it will be necessary to amputate. It seems to have deteriorated over the week in the fridge instead of healing. Last night I left a bit of bloodworm in his container (probably a little too much) and it seems to have aggrevated the injury with a possible bacterial / fungal growth.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

WP

(Here are some pictures of the intial injuries and current state in the fridging container - the last being the current state of the savaged arm with the possible infection)

[Kaysie]

That does look pretty bad. I would consult a vet about possible amputation. The tissue of the arm is necrotic, and it's close to the body (versus just being at the fingertips).

[Jacquie]

Hi Wolf,

I agree with Kaysie.

Rayson has compiled a list of Herp Vets who may be of some assistance to you in amputating your axolotl's leg: http://www.caudata.org/axolotl-sanctuary/vets.shtml

[Wolfpretzel]

Yeah, thanks for pointing that out guys. The arm is looking a little worse today but he is happier than ever in the fridge and the funny thing is that although the arm looks worse, he is moving it whereas before he held it close to his body as if it were broken.

He also has finally eaten some tasty earthworms so that's good to see. I'll be making a few calls to the vets closest to me tomorrow.

Thanks,

Chris

[Wolfpretzel]

Hey guys,

Just posting an update. Shadow has had his necrotic arm amputated and is doing well so far. I will post a photo in the next few days to show progress. As usual, he doesn't seem at all bothered that he has just had his arm lopped off - I'm sure that I would definitely make more of a fuss. :-P

Thanks for the input - I love this forum!

Chris

[Kaysie]

Glad to hear it. Watching the arm regenerate is pretty cool. You might not be so upset if your arm grew back like your axolotl's.

[Wolfpretzel]

Just another update to any that are interested - Shadow is doing well and is happily resting and eating in the fridge. His arm / stump is looking healthy and is almost closed over. In addition, he is also wiggling his stump when he moves so that's a good sign.

This picture was taken today - 6 days after the amputation.



This forum rocks!

-Chris

[doktordoris]

I know it's probably not very pleasant for your pet, but I do envy you!

I'd love to watch a limb regrow-fascinating stuff.