12 Year Old Axolotl - Bloated?

[ef0591]

My 12-year-old female axolotl is mildly bloated. No other symptoms. She is eating and active. But due to her age and something about the nature of the bloating makes me concerned it may be physiological. I have already double-checked her water quality and temperature which are all fine. Nothing new. She is not floating and is crawling around the bottom of tank. I am trying to make an appointment with an exotic vet in case it does not get better or progresses. Because the bloat seems to be isolated to her abdomen, I was concerned she somehow swallowed a rock, bu believe they are too big for her to fit in her mouth. Any advice?

 

[JM29]

Axolotl are reported to live as old as 25 years.
I've kept some to 17 years (non-optimal conditions).
So I don't think a 12 years old axolotl can be quoted as a geriatric axolotl.

 

[ef0591]

Axolotl are reported to live as old as 25 years.
I've kept some to 17 years (non-optimal conditions).
So I don't think a 12 years old axolotl can be quoted as a geriatric axolotl.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[axolotl nerd]

My 12-year-old female axolotl is mildly bloated. No other symptoms. She is eating and active. But due to her age and something about the nature of the bloating makes me concerned it may be physiological. I have already double-checked her water quality and temperature which are all fine. Nothing new. She is not floating and is crawling around the bottom of tank. I am trying to make an appointment with an exotic vet in case it does not get better or progresses. Because the bloat seems to be isolated to her abdomen, I was concerned she somehow swallowed a rock, bu believe they are too big for her to fit in her mouth. Any advice?

unfortunately, bloat in axolotls is often caused by organ failure. i am by no means a vet, but from what ive seen prognosis for bloat is not good. she doesn't seem to be severely bloated, which is a good sign. i would suggest booking a vet appointment- if you're concerned about her having eaten something then x-rays will be necessary to confirm. as for possible organ failure, they will likely run blood tests.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

unfortunately, bloat in axolotls is often caused by organ failure. i am by no means a vet, but from what ive seen prognosis for bloat is not good. she doesn't seem to be severely bloated, which is a good sign. i would suggest booking a vet appointment- if you're concerned about her having eaten something then x-rays will be necessary to confirm. as for possible organ failure, they will likely run blood tests.

That's not always true actually. Some bloat is attributed to intestinal parasitism, foreign body ingestion, gas entrapment, or apparently even cancer.

Bloat in Axolotls - How to Prevent Bloating in Your Pet Axolotl

Bloat is a common issue seen in axolotls. If you have noticed your axolotl bloating there are a few things that you should do immediately.

www.unusualpetvets.com.au

OP, if you've checked through water parameters, you need a veterinarian appointment ASAP! A vet can properly diagnose what's going on and provide treatment including even draining the fluids if necessary.

As for whether its geriatric or not probably depends more on the breeder or breeder pool. But as JM29 has already mentioned, there are case studies of axolotls living up to and even beyond 25 years. There was a guy on r/Axolotls who was a caretaker for two axolotls at a university that were missing limbs due to research conducted on them back in the 1990s! The axolotls were both 26 years old and were super picky eating only live mice.

 

[axolotl nerd]

That's not always true actually. Some bloat is attributed to intestinal parasitism, foreign body ingestion, gas entrapment, or apparently even cancer.

Bloat in Axolotls - How to Prevent Bloating in Your Pet Axolotl

Bloat is a common issue seen in axolotls. If you have noticed your axolotl bloating there are a few things that you should do immediately.

www.unusualpetvets.com.au

OP, if you've checked through water parameters, you need a veterinarian appointment ASAP! A vet can properly diagnose what's going on and provide treatment including even draining the fluids if necessary.

As for whether its geriatric or not probably depends more on the breeder or breeder pool. But as JM29 has already mentioned, there are case studies of axolotls living up to and even beyond 25 years. There was a guy on r/Axolotls who was a caretaker for two axolotls at a university that were missing limbs due to research conducted on them back in the 1990s! The axolotls were both 26 years old and were super picky eating only live mice.

it's not always true, but it is most of the time- hence "often." i didn't know about what the other causes are specifically though, so thats good to know. do you know which parasites cause bloating??? the most common parasite ive heard of axolotls having is anchorworm.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

it's not always true, but it is most of the time- hence "often." i didn't know about what the other causes are specifically though, so thats good to know. do you know which parasites cause bloating??? the most common parasite ive heard of axolotls having is anchorworm.

no. i don't.

 

[wolfen]

ectoparasitic protozoa tend to be the most common parasites for axolotls (ich etc..), the majority can be treated with salt and/or formalin (although there are other treatments for specific protozoa), these types of parasite are mainly received through food ie.. live fish etc..