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UV light exposure/sensitivity to aerosols/ worming in axolotls

Darkmaverick

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Mar 11, 2008
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Hi all,

I was directed to a website written by an exotics vet specialist here in in sydney (whom i often refer my cases to), about axolotl care tips. There were several interesting points in this article that piqued my interest and i feel is worthy of discussion and gathering information for. I would love to hear your opinions, personal experiences and in particular any reliable reference material pertaining to these subjects, such as journal articles and textbooks. I would also do some research meantime on my part by checking out journal databases after work tommorow. I am happy to consolidate the reference material and write up an information sheet to share with all, as well as for my own learning. Please kindly direct or send me reference material if you find out anything about the undermentioned topics. It is very much appreciated.

The website link is

http://www.petdirectory.com.au/?page=directory&country=all&section=4&ldoc=4007

The topics of interests are:

1 - Axolotls are very sensitive to aerosol sprays and tobacco smoke.

I suppose common sense dictates that we want to minimise our axolotls' exposure to airborne pollutants that can foul their tank water. I would like to request for any scientific articles you can find, especially if tests/statistics are available.

2 - A source of ultraviolet light, either through exposure to unfiltered, natural sunlight, or an artificial UV light, is necessary to help prevent Vitamin D deficiency and skin and bone disorders. Remember to replace the light regularly (every 6-12 months) as it will lose strength, even though the light still works.

Again, i can see the physiological logic, especially since its one of the fundamental husbandry aspects of reptile management. However, again i would like to look for papers pertaining to axolotls (amphibians) if possible regarding UV light exposure.

3 - The pellets (axolotl pellets) available in Australia are generally of unknown quality and should only provide 10-15% of your axolotl’s total diet.

This is probably something the commercial pellet manufacturers don't want us to discuss, but i think its absolutely essential to know in order to promote the health and welfare of axolotls. Also would be useful for myself to advise clients on axolotl nutrition. I know the pellets i use provide information about the nutritional composition, however, i myself am feeding my own axolotls a staple of earthworms, bloodworms and these pellets.

4 - General health checks that include worming every 6 months, yearly health check to check faeces and detect general health problems eg parasite infestations and bacterial infections and annual blood screening &/or bacterial cultures for some axolotls. are

I would say this sounds like a 'gold standard', an ideal case scenario. I am particularly interested in anything regarding worming/faecal analysis of axolotls.

Thanks all.

Cheers
 

paullism

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Nov 13, 2008
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Sydney, Cabarita
Hi Ray

I found this very interesting, I will be interested to hear what our learned friends have to say about some of the things mentioned in this article, for my own bennefit I would be interested in hearing some comments on the following:

1. The use of non-iodinsed salt to 1/2 to 1 gram per litre of water

2. A sourse of U/V light being necessary to help prevent vitamin D defficiency, skin & bone disorders.

3. Worming of Axolotls & the yearly heath check

4. Bacteria being depleted via water changes of more than 20% to 30%

Thanks
 
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