Illness/Sickness: Axolotl lump on head

[tara1234]

I have had my axolotl for 4 months. He has developed a red and white lump on his head (red has only just come on) since last friday. He has been fine before this and has been fed from pellets, a tiny bit of prawn and blood worm. He has mostly been hiding under his arch and seems to struggle swimming to the top of tank but can do it as i watched him recently. He is still eating but is not crazy when presented with food but will eat it anyway. (Never really been a big foodie any way). I cant see any other signs of illness on him. No white spots any where else, not fluff on gills, nothing wrong with toes and no bent tail. Im not sure what could be wrong with him but I REALLY NEED SOME HELP AND ADVICE.

 

[Charlotl]

Last time I remember someone posting something like this it was an abscess due to infection. Those require the services of a veterinarian to drain and/or provide antibiotics.

 

[auntiejude]

Yes, you need to get the axie to a vet ASAP, an abscess like that can be treated quite easily but could be fatal if not treated.

 

[tara1234]

Do you know how/why this could have happened?
Could you also tell me how much it would cost to have him looked at as i dont have much money at all at the minute

 

[auntiejude]

I pay £25 for a consult and about £20 for antibiotics.
Where are you?

 

[tara1234]

I really dont have enough money for that! Im in the uk, our vets near by charge alot

 

[Charlotl]

I don't know if this helps, but some clinics will do payment plans with you. Also if you have one around a Vet school's teaching hospital might do reduced rates since an axolotl would be a good learning experience. I'm in the US though so I don't know about your region...

 

[tara1234]

The abcess has burst on its own now, theres whire pus oozing out of it but should i do anything or leave it to empty on its own?

 

[Charlotl]

I wouldn't touch it. The infection is still in there regardless but touching it will add even more pain and stress to the axolotl. Extra stress could leave it more vulnerable to the infection which would kill it faster.

 

[auntiejude]

Your axie still needs to see a vet to have itcleaned and antibiotics given.

 

[Skudo09]

I would start contacting all vets in your area and ask for costs and what payment options may be available.

 

[tara1234]

I will still get him to the vets but this is what he looks like now. His lump has really gone down but it see,s that one of his gills is a little smaller