Arched back

[Rhino]

Hi i need help asap my axolotl went for a jump out of the tank (guessing from water level being so high) and i found him just as i woke up for work , surprisingly he was still alive but he has injured his back something major, he has quite and arch on him now and just wondering what i could possibly do to help him.

 

[Bellabelloo]

Keep in in a clean, cool dechlorinated water and leave him to settle in the dark. This will give him a chance to hopefully recover from the shock. Sometimes injuries become more apparent over time, such as skin shedding. If this happens it may be useful to use a tea bath. Caudata Culture Articles - Illness Part 2

 

[Rhino]

the tank was clean from the other running tank over the week i cycled the water before i put it in the tank, if that is understandable he's in a very dark place behind my compute where no light whatsoever will catch him also my room is large so in the winter it is very cold (like it is now) any other tips? like feeding wise as he won't eat the lotl pellets i have, i do have earthworms but i wouldhave to slice them up wouldn't I?

 

[Quentari]

Give him a couple of days before you worry about the lack of eating too much. If the tank is cool and dark you can leave him there but it's usually easier to monitor him in a tub hope he recovers!!

 

[Rhino]

thatnkyou, i will be posting updates onhim

 

[Rhino]

also his tank which i call the quarantine tank for all my axies is right next to my pc so i can clearly see him and watch

 

[Tephra]

I agree with the above. Just monitor him (which you're already doing) and be prepared for giving tea baths when you see something going wrong with his skin.

 

[Petersgirl]

Also, for the worms, you won't need to cut them up unless he's never eaten them before and may struggle with the size or if they're bigger than his mouth - mine can eat worms as long as their body and keep them down, but they're quite experienced with them now.

If you need to cut them, use scissors for a quick and clean way to feed your bubby. Worms are ideal if your axxie is poorly as they're packed with nutrients and the wriggliness often sets off the neonatal desire to eat.

If he still won't eat, don't worry overmuch. He'll be in cooler water so he'll eat less, plus if he's a bit stressed he won't eat for a bit. The main thing is good water quality and cooler water for now.

I'm inclined to think the arched back is due to stress - as far as I know axolotls have very bendy bones that are very difficult to break so I don't think it's broken, but obviously watch him carefully and if you see any signs of pain then a vet trip may be in order. If you see shedding skin (not uncommon after falling out of a tank - Gally shed when he jumped out of his tub once) a tea bath will help to keep him calm and keep any fungus out.

Hope this helps!

 

[Rhino]

thankyou all for help

rex is doing fine he is abit more active in his tank he is swimming around a little more i haven't tried feedinghim yet im just waiting it out, his back still looks like he is in pain other than that he looks better than before i would say!

 

[Petersgirl]

If he looks like he is in pain a vet trip may be in order. I know vets aren't cheap, and finding one that knows how to treat an axolotl can be tough, but if you can, I would.

The tricky thing about these guys is that we can't see what's going on inside. I'm glad that he looks a bit better but if his back is still arched I would be a bit worried.

 

[Rhino]

his back is starting to regain it's original position though he does look abit skinny :?, water is fairly cold but smells a little ewwwies since i stuck a cup of cold tea in there for him since his skin started to shed, but he is alot more active

 

[Rhino]

his back has regained to a normal straight back but is shedding skin still, i put some stress coat in there and a cup of cooled black tea in the water and have the filter running with it, the tank is only about 10L so i can see him whilst at my desk, it's been 2 days since he has eaten and the tank is currently at 17 degrees, are there any pointers on feeding the little guy? or helping him recover alot better?

 

[layna]

The only thing i cant think of would be to try and get the tank a little cooler, it will slow down his metabolism (if hes still not eating) and help him recover a little more comfortably

 

[Rhino]

yeah i'm sticking a whole bunch of lunch box coolers in there one at a time to cool the tank to atleas 10/12 degrees

 

[Petersgirl]

I would suggest trying earthworms if he won't eat, but if the tank is very cool he might not eat anyways because he essentially doesn't need to Don't worry overmuch - a fat healthy axolotl can survive for between 1-3 weeks without food (although obviously trying to get him to eat once he's better or as soon as he will take it is preferable), and in cooler temps they won't eat as much anyway. Keep offering and if he won't take it, don't worry unless he hasn't eaten for weeks.

Glad to hear he's getting better