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Extremely sick axolotl

kumamon

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So I went on holiday for a week and left extremely clear instructions for the people looking after my axolotl to follow - however they didn’t and he is in the worst condition - I think I’m going to lose him.

All his gills are completely curved forward, his skin is peeling, there are red spots all over him, his tail is curved and shriveled, he looks swollen (under his chin, and his hind body), and I think I saw him throw up...?

I did a 50% water change as soon as I got home and found him like this - non of his food or poop was cleaned up and just left to rot basically.

I will be testing his water soon but I can only assume it’s horrible - so I have dosed the tank with Prime.

Please help, I don’t know what to do? He looks so sickly... I don’t even know if I can help him and think euthanising him would be best?? Of course I’m going to do all I can before that step. I just don’t know what!!
 

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Tye

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Can you tell if there's something lodged in your axolotl's throat?
It could just be swollen, but there could be a food item or regurge in there.
 

Hayleyy

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Check your temp and water parameters. As Tye said see if anything is lodged in his mouth.
 

kumamon

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I’m not sure how to check if anything is lodged in his mouth. How do you check..?? His condition has gotten significantly worse and I don’t see him getting any better. His back legs have also become extremely swollen and his tail has curved into like... a circle. I’m lost with what to do here...
 

Hayleyy

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Use some plastic tweezers (not sharp ones), in the mouth and try and lever it open. Looking straight in you should be able to see if there is anything.
I would make a fresh container of dechlorinated water and pop him in. Keep the water cool, I don't know if you should fridge him possibly? Keep him in the container with daily 100% water changes.
Were you able to test your tank water? Parameters are probably off as you said so you want to get it sorted before putting him back in.
 
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