Hi there.
I was gifted my axolotl 8 yrs ago and I have done my best to keep him healthy. Roj has overall been ok, but a few years ago I noticed he developed a small bump, like a balloon, translucent and lightly veined, on the left side of his body, toward his gills. It has never seemed to bother him, he has behaved normally and eaten regularly.
(Also, before going further, if you notice in the pics that his front left leg is bent, he had it bitten off right before I got him and it didn't grow back properly).
I moved a few months ago for a new job and I'll readily admit that I haven't been as attentive with his care due to long hours and big weeks.
I've just noticed that this growth on his side has gotten considerably bigger and I can't find any information about what it is or what I should do. Because it has been benign for so long, I sort of figured it may have just been a complication with his gumpy leg because it sits right under it.
In the photos you'll see he also has an infection, which I'm attempting to treat with tea baths. I also cleaned out his tank entirely in case any bad bacteria or fungi was clinging to the tank walls, furniture or inside the filter.
I already know that the bulge on his side won't be affected by the tea bath, as I've treated him to one once before and it did nothing for this bump.
Lastly, I'll test the pH of the water in the tank, but I do know that it stays relatively steady and from what I've been able to find online, it is within a normal range for an axolotl. Please post any levels to watch for and how to change them if they are problematic.
Please let me know of any medications I can release into his water or other treatments I could try. I'm feeling terribly guilty for letting him get so sick
he's my first and probably only axolotl - I'm doing my best but I'm having to learn as I go. This is the first time in these eight years I've been genuinely concerned for his wellbeing.
Thank you so much for your help.
I was gifted my axolotl 8 yrs ago and I have done my best to keep him healthy. Roj has overall been ok, but a few years ago I noticed he developed a small bump, like a balloon, translucent and lightly veined, on the left side of his body, toward his gills. It has never seemed to bother him, he has behaved normally and eaten regularly.
(Also, before going further, if you notice in the pics that his front left leg is bent, he had it bitten off right before I got him and it didn't grow back properly).
I moved a few months ago for a new job and I'll readily admit that I haven't been as attentive with his care due to long hours and big weeks.
I've just noticed that this growth on his side has gotten considerably bigger and I can't find any information about what it is or what I should do. Because it has been benign for so long, I sort of figured it may have just been a complication with his gumpy leg because it sits right under it.
In the photos you'll see he also has an infection, which I'm attempting to treat with tea baths. I also cleaned out his tank entirely in case any bad bacteria or fungi was clinging to the tank walls, furniture or inside the filter.
I already know that the bulge on his side won't be affected by the tea bath, as I've treated him to one once before and it did nothing for this bump.
Lastly, I'll test the pH of the water in the tank, but I do know that it stays relatively steady and from what I've been able to find online, it is within a normal range for an axolotl. Please post any levels to watch for and how to change them if they are problematic.
Please let me know of any medications I can release into his water or other treatments I could try. I'm feeling terribly guilty for letting him get so sick
he's my first and probably only axolotl - I'm doing my best but I'm having to learn as I go. This is the first time in these eight years I've been genuinely concerned for his wellbeing.Thank you so much for your help.
