peilr
New member
Hi everyone,
I'm posting because my axolotl hasn't defecated for over three weeks and I'm getting worried. I'll try to give as much background as possible.
Tank setup
Bare-bottom tank — no substrate, so there is no risk of him ingesting small stones or gravel.
Filtration: a single sponge filter (with an extension tube, no air stone). Feces generally don't get sucked into the filter, so if he had pooped I would expect to see it in the tank.
History
From late June through mid-July, he had a prolonged episode of bloating and floating. I'm fairly certain this was caused by him ingesting air bubbles from the air stone I was using at the time. I removed the air stone and switched to the sponge filter setup described above, and after that he stopped floating. During the floating period I fed him very little, and after a couple of bowel movements the floating resolved completely.
Current feeding
Following advice from friends, I've been gradually reintroducing food, but the amounts are still small — twice a week, fewer than 10 bloodworms per feeding.
Current situation
It has now been over three weeks since his last bowel movement. Aside from not pooping, he seems otherwise normal — active, alert, and behaving normally. His abdomen doesn't look especially distended to me.
Water parameters
Temperature: consistently around 19°C
Filtration: sponge filter with extension tube
The problem I'm facing
I live in China, and there are essentially no veterinarians here who specialize in caudates. Exotic pet vets in my area mostly treat turtles and lizards, so I don't have access to professional axolotl medical care. I'm really hoping the community here can help.
My questions
Is three weeks without a bowel movement a serious concern at this point, or could it simply be because I'm feeding him so little?
Are there any safe at-home methods to encourage a bowel movement? (e.g., Epsom salt baths, temperature adjustments, specific foods)
At what point should I consider this an emergency?
Does anyone have experience with a similar situation, and what was the outcome?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
I'm posting because my axolotl hasn't defecated for over three weeks and I'm getting worried. I'll try to give as much background as possible.
Tank setup
Bare-bottom tank — no substrate, so there is no risk of him ingesting small stones or gravel.
Filtration: a single sponge filter (with an extension tube, no air stone). Feces generally don't get sucked into the filter, so if he had pooped I would expect to see it in the tank.
History
From late June through mid-July, he had a prolonged episode of bloating and floating. I'm fairly certain this was caused by him ingesting air bubbles from the air stone I was using at the time. I removed the air stone and switched to the sponge filter setup described above, and after that he stopped floating. During the floating period I fed him very little, and after a couple of bowel movements the floating resolved completely.
Current feeding
Following advice from friends, I've been gradually reintroducing food, but the amounts are still small — twice a week, fewer than 10 bloodworms per feeding.
Current situation
It has now been over three weeks since his last bowel movement. Aside from not pooping, he seems otherwise normal — active, alert, and behaving normally. His abdomen doesn't look especially distended to me.
Water parameters
Temperature: consistently around 19°C
Filtration: sponge filter with extension tube
The problem I'm facing
I live in China, and there are essentially no veterinarians here who specialize in caudates. Exotic pet vets in my area mostly treat turtles and lizards, so I don't have access to professional axolotl medical care. I'm really hoping the community here can help.
My questions
Is three weeks without a bowel movement a serious concern at this point, or could it simply be because I'm feeding him so little?
Are there any safe at-home methods to encourage a bowel movement? (e.g., Epsom salt baths, temperature adjustments, specific foods)
At what point should I consider this an emergency?
Does anyone have experience with a similar situation, and what was the outcome?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.