Illness/Sickness: Another Aquarium Shop Axolotl Rescue :(

[FX1C]

As I mentioned in my tank mini blog, I went to get supplies from the Aquarium Shop & came home with a very poorly axolotl :-/ I hate seeing them suffering in the shop! This one was one of 6 newly shipped in the last week - 5 tank mates died at the shop & this one was barely on her last legs

Feeling the temperature of the tank water she was in at the shop & it would easily have been 27C felt warmer than my tropical tank at home & I couldn't test the water she came home in as her bag was topped up with water from another tank.

Her condition is APPALLING & she was barely alive by the time we'd driven 45mins home...

I don't hold much hope for her as she is soooooo skinny & had so little energy. When I pulled her from the bag she didn't move at all! I placed her into a tub with quite a bit of almond leaf water - then wondered if she was with us anymore I gently slid my hand under her limp body I lifted her to see if there was any movement & once at the surface I felt her tiny toes wriggle & grip & her mouth gasped at the air this gave me hope. I removed 2/3 of the water in tub leaving it just over body height so she can easily just lift her head. I popped in fresh live blackworms & an earthworm trying to dangle to entice but none taken.

Left her for an hour or so & peeked in to check & she was on her side... No pics too panicked - scooped her up to see & she parted her mouth slightly... She's so thin & so weak I wondered if force feeding would at least offer some nutrition - I rapid chopped some blackworms & popped them into a blunt ended glass dropper - I easily opened the mouth & my husband helped push the minced worm in! Success - none came back & she gasped once done. We repeated again not wanting to over fed too much too soon. Put her back in shallow tub in front of fan - temp 18C - she remained very still for an hour & then started moving around the tub & lifting head to take a breath.

She's skinny & barely any gills - not injuries or effects of just one week!
To say that I'm fuming is an understatement - thankfully the LFS shop owner will help me & give me the suppliers details - they were a Victorian supplier & this won't be the last of it

This is her ..... Boo II
Feedback & advice as always desperately welcomed



I'd love this to end happily so I'll give this girl 100% effort & keep everything crossed for her.




<3 >o_o< <3

 

[FX1C]

I forgot to add - I did not pay for this girl!

I asked if they would give her to me in the hope that there may be a slim chance of recovery - they did!

I would never pay for an animal in such poor condition ever! But I have a way of guilting people into giving up a mistreated animal or signing over ownership (dogs) I've had much success obtaining dogs voluntarily to save calling in authorities. It's a talent I wish I had no need for



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[poncho11]

Best of luck! I really hope you can nurse her back to health. I saw a similar axie in a pet store in Geelong, his body was about as thin as a pencil. I wish I had more tanks so I could do something similar to what your doing. Maybe one day!

 

[shazza]

aww the poor bugger. i am glad we dont see them much up here in pet shops. But that said the ones i have been to, to buy supplies have been very knowledgable. Answered all my questions.

When i was searching for a mate for my fella i came across a lady selling 3 in a 4ft set up. Unable to sell it she was selling sep.

I rocked up with my toddlers. One was dead , half eaten. Last 2 were covered in fungus from our mid to high 30 deg temps. Fake grass as a floor, no filter. And the airstone that was sending the dead one thru a rapid current. I stood there for a bit considering wether to go get $100 she was askin for the lot. they were full size. She had had them for 2 mths..

But had no room and the cost of a must have chiller would have cost more than i could afford. I left feeling like a brick in my stomach. i hope someone saved them..

But on the brighter side, hope ur little one pulls thru.. he sound like it is in the best hands possible ♥♥

 

[FX1C]

Checked on this little girl before bed & I'm pretty sure she's died no movement now & just looks gone

I contemplated putting her in the freezer but thought perhaps she's catatonic from all she's been through - perhaps there's a 0.5% chance she'll be alive in the morning

Such a shame she had to suffer at all & it will definitely be a miracle if she does recover... I'll keep my fingers crossed & check in the morning. I'm hoping one day I can actually help one of these rescues & not keep burying them

I'll chase up the current complaint (SpookyBoo) with the RSPCA tomorrow & add this case to the growing list of issues with axolotl suppliers & retailers in Australia
grrrrrrrrr



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[CJ1981]

I'm so sorry, at least you tried.

I think you have a pair of Boo shaped Guardian Angels now :angel:

Keep us posted on your complaint xoxo

 

[FX1C]

I'm so sorry, at least you tried.

I think you have a pair of Boo shaped Guardian Angels now :angel:

Keep us posted on your complaint xoxo

I have a beautiful Dobermann boy who passed very recently (11yrs old with cardio myopathy for last 8mths) as my angel & it's not fun losing any more sweet creatures :'(

I have to share a happy pic of my boy Thunder <3 alias Doberlotl

That pic guaranteed to make you smile!



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[CJ1981]

I have a beautiful Dobermann boy who passed very recently (11yrs old with cardio myopathy for last 8mths) as my angel & it's not fun losing any more sweet creatures :'(

I have to share a happy pic of my boy Thunder <3 alias Doberlotl
View attachment 27539
That pic guaranteed to make you smile!



<3 >o_o< <3

What a handsome boy, loosing pets is horrid. My boyfriend doesn't get quite as attached as me, I lost my last pet rat just before Christmas at the grand old age of 4 and a half, my boyfriend thought I had a screw loose for sitting up most of the night with him when he was dying as I couldn't bear the thought of him passing alone

 

[FX1C]

What a handsome boy, loosing pets is horrid. My boyfriend doesn't get quite as attached as me, I lost my last pet rat just before Christmas at the grand old age of 4 and a half, my boyfriend thought I had a screw loose for sitting up most of the night with him when he was dying as I couldn't bear the thought of him passing alone

Ahhhh we're so alike I had a rat as a teenager & did the same thing if it has a heart beat & it's in my house, it's family! Thankfully my husband is a big softy & also feels for any animal in distress. He made me hold the lotl in the bag suspended so it wouldn't be bumpy... It worked but after 45mins my arms felt like they were in boot camp!
& he taped the light of in the fridge & declared it a hospital for the first Boo - so I can't complain & I'm very lucky ❤



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[FX1C]

Sorry to say this little one was as feared well gone by morning, hadn't moved at all overnight

Didn't get a chance to chase up complaint with RSPCA today but will tomorrow!

RIP yet another victim of retail shops



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[shazza]

awwww RIP little one♥♥​

 

[Kerry M]

RIP Boo II :-(