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Sick axolotl that wont use its front legs and wont eat?

bmccann

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Hey everyone im new to the site and i was just wondering if anyone might be able to help. Ive had an axolotl for almost 6 months now and for about the past two months he has ceased to use his front legs and tucks his legs to his sides even when he is on the bottom of the tank and at some points clutches his sides with his legs. Also he regularly comes up to the surface and gulps for air prior to floating at the surface. He is refusing mealworms and even fish which the local pet shop suggested, There is a small kink at the end of his tail which research suggested he is stressed. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated ive tried everything and nothing seems to work. Thanks
 

Darkmaverick

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Mealworms and fish are definitely not suitable as staples. Earthworms and blackworms should form the basis of good nutrition.

If both forelimbs are non functional, there could be a spinal injury. Do they appear smaller than the hindlimbs and are they capable of any movement?
 

bmccann

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Thanks for the reply yeh the pet shop recommended fish and mealworms and i wasnt sure so i went with it but ill try changing to blackworms and earthworms.

His front legs are a similar length to his rear legs and he does move them sometimes but most of the time he has them facing backwards rather than forwards and he spends a lot of time floating at the surface.
 

Darkmaverick

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If the axie can still use the forelimbs, they are working fine. Some axies tuck their forelimbs against their body when swimming, that is quite normal. Excessive floating can be a sign of stress, particularly with elevated tank temperatures.
 
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