Axolotl hasn't pooped in 3+ weeks — previous bloating/floating episode, need advice

[peilr]

due to axolotls being aquatic any probiotics they receive would be via their food which would normally be pellets, you would have to check ingredients on axolotl pellets to see if they include probiotics (I don't feed mine pellets so I don't have a personal choice).

Hi Wolfen. I treated my axolotl with metronidazole bath yesterday, and fed her soaked pellets today. This evening I found this substance in the tank. I can’t tell whether it is gastrointestinal mucus or white faeces; it contains some brown things. Do you have any advice? Does this mean her gastrointestinal tract is full of trichomonads?

 

[wolfen]

if your axolotl is infected by trichomonads metronidazole should treat it but worth while retesting after treatment.
the mucus can be numerous things ie.. slime coat, regurgitated mucus, bile, the main things is to continue treatment till completion ensuring her tub is scrubbed daily after use to prevent reinfection, make sure to wear gloves etc.. as humans can also become host to parasitic protozoa.

 

[peilr]

if your axolotl is infected by trichomonads metronidazole should treat it but worth while retesting after treatment.
the mucus can be numerous things ie.. slime coat, regurgitated mucus, bile, the main things is to continue treatment till completion ensuring her tub is scrubbed daily after use to prevent reinfection, make sure to wear gloves etc.. as humans can also become host to parasitic protozoa.

Is the metronidazole treatment protocol 50 mg per litre for a 24‑hour bath, administered every other day? How long should the full course last? My vet only recommended a retest after it defecates. Can metronidazole itself cause harm to its body? What aftercare should I provide once treatment finishes? I am struggling to tell whether this substance is mucus or white faeces; I have never seen anything like it before. Could this be mucus? Thank you very much.

The water level is currently around 6 cm. I am worried that prolonged tail floating will expose its caudal and dorsal fins above the water surface, and the fins have already started to shrink and collapse. Would you have any recommendations for me?