HI Allyson,
I am also concerned about the ammonia smell. I second Jen's suggestion to get the water parameters tested. Ammonia levels would have to be rather high for it to be detected from smell alone. If indeed the levels are high, i would recommend you fridge each axie individually and perform daily water changes while performing regular smaller changes on your main tank to bring it down. High ammonia levels can cause toxicity. Toxicity refers not only to external skin trauma due to chemical burns but also can accumulate in the bloodstream as well and cause anything from neurological signs, anaemia to clotting defects.
1. the ball of fuzz..how do I treat it?
If water parameters, temperature and nutrition are well met, a clean wound will be able to heal itself without incident. Secondary infections by fungus will require salt baths. If the wound site is small, i would suggest you try fridging for a week first and see if it helps. If progress is slow, then you can proceed to salt baths.
2. The white spot...should I be concerned?
Yes. The red sore and white spot are both likely to be pathology. I highly doubt its pigmentation. Red spot, i suspect it looks like an ecchymosis (bruise patch). Normally bruises don't appear so defined in a spot like that unless there is a focal physical trauma or there is blood clotting problem. Check ammonia levels.
White spot could be a secondary bacterial infection or ulcerative lesion. This is especially so since you observe the site growing rapidly within a short period.
Current suggestion. Fridging. Fridging your axie will destress it, boost its immune system and render harmful pathogens (both bacterial and fungal) less viable.
- Set your fridge to about 4-5 degree celsius.
- Put your axie in a container large enough to allow it to stretch its limbs and tail comfortably.
- Fill with fresh dechlorinated water enough to submerge it but not allowing it to float.
- Cover with a lid. You can use a perforated lid or netting to prevent it jumping out.
- Use a tea towel to cover it to keep the environment dark.
- Perform 100% water changes daily with clean dechlorinated water.
- You can pre prepare bottles of water in the fridge.
- Continue to offer a variety of nutritious food daily. Try live wriggly food like blackworms, bloodworms, earthworms. You can also try the usual pellet, offer treats of shrimp and fish etc. Otherwise you can also blend everything in a food processor and then roll the resultant mash into a pea sized ball to try offer your axie. Remove uneaten food within 20 min.
I would try fridging your axolotl for 2 weeks and continually monitor for improvement. Please update on the progress every couple of days.
http://www.caudata.org/axolotl-sanctuary/Fridging.shtml
3. Can axies be obese?
Yes. Compare the size of the midsection of the axie (thorax and belly region) with the width of the head. An obese axie will be significantly wider around its midsection compared to the head. Take note that the limbs and throat region should not look swollen. If the entire axie looks swollen all over, that could be bloat! An obese axie is not a healthy axie. It puts strain on the internal organs. A diet will be necessary. Slowly taper down the volume of food per serve. If you are feeding high fat type treats like mealworms, do cut them off completely.
4. Do I need to divide the tank? Seperate axies?
If you suspect the axies may be accidentally wounding each other, especially while currently there are open wounds. a tank divider might prove useful. If you are concerned of an infectious disease or you wish to monitor individual axie health and nutrition, i would recommend housing them individually for the time being, fridge or otherwise.
Cheers.
