Concerned he may have swallowed gravel

fowlowl · Oct 21, 2013

Hi everyone,

I'm a little concerned one of my axolotls may have swallowed gravel. He's albino and I noticed last week that he had a slight lump on his side, near his back legs. This has got more prominent, but not bigger (if that makes sense) over the last couple of days. The gravel was removed about two weeks ago now and he is eating and pooing fine. He doesn't seem uncomfortable. I'm really quite worried about him.

If it was gravel surely he'd have pooed it out by now? I hope it's nothing serious!!

Any advice, greatly appreciated. Thank you in adavance

PatchworkClocks · Oct 21, 2013

You could try fridging him for an hour or so. It's a common treatment used for constipated axolotls, so it may help him pass whatever it is. It might be a gas build-up, but hard to tell for sure without a picture.

xxianxx · Oct 21, 2013

Gravel can take weeks to pass through an axolotls system. How big is it ? Fridging is not recommended for small axolotls and should be done for more than an hour, preferably for a few days.

auntiejude · Oct 21, 2013

It can take a long time for axies to pass gravel - I was still fidnig gravel 2 months after I got mine home (gravel in the LFS - gggrrr!). Mind you, I think they may have pooped it out and then eaten it again.

Do you have a picture? It would be much easier to make an assessment.

PatchworkClocks · Oct 21, 2013

xxianxx said:
Gravel can take weeks to pass through an axolotls system. How big is it ? Fridging is not recommended for small axolotls and should be done for more than an hour, preferably for a few days.

My own axolotl was around 5 inches when I fridged him for constipation. It only took him about 2 hours to pass it all. I assume it would be a bit different for gravel, but still.

Bellabelloo · Oct 22, 2013

If you are going to fridge an axolotl, it is best to do it over a few days. You don't necessarily need to use the fridge, anywhere that is cooler than the current tank will be fine.
I agree a photo may be useful too.

fowlowl · Oct 22, 2013

Bless all of your hearts! Thank you so much for all of your advice, I'm so glad I found this site!!

The lump has miraculously vanished and a pretty sizeable turd has appeared in the corner of the tank. If it reappears I will try the frigding and will probably be back for further advice. Thanks again xx

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