Lock jaw?

[Grace]

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone has heard of an axolotl not being able to open it's mouth, as if it has lock jaw? My parents' axolotl that I gave them has not been able to open its mouth for 3 days now. They have tried feeding it worms (usually takes them ferociously every day) and it acts like it is trying to get the worm.... but can't seem to open its mouth.

I suggested that they try and open it with a soft Q-tip or something. But I haven't heard of this before. Any suggestions?

[Martin Östling]

My best bet would be to try and open the mouth gently. Either hes got a lock jaw or hes just not eating, and that could atleast give you an idea.

But i am no expert

[Ryan Korsak]

One of our axolotls is having the same problem. We tried putting him the fridge for about three weeks and just took him out today. He's showing interest in a worm but, like yours, his mouth doesn't open. Did you ever find out what was wrong or manage to fix it?

[snootyfox]

Sounds like a job for the Vet!!

[Grace]

My axolotl did get better. She eats worms just fine now and her mouth is healed. So for the others who are having trouble with this...

It is just kind of a waiting game. Try feeding small bits of worms or small worms such as blood worms or black worms. This is what I did and she was able to suck a few in and recovered in about a week.

What happens is ( I think) they injure their mouths and it swells so they can't open it... after a while it heals and the swelling goes down.

[snootyfox]

Great, advice noted, thanks for sharing your experience Skilly!

xC