Axolotl very sick

[steve611]

My Axolotl rejected any worms from the last batch I bought from the pet store. Originally I just thought it was a faulty batch as he was still eating bloodworm ice cubes. Last week though he started to float on the surface in the water and after lots of research I decided to fridge him for a couple of days. After a few days he didnt do a poo but he vomited everything out of his system. (I know because I witnessed it). Anyway I put him back in the tank immediately after which was yesterday as the floating problem was gone. Now though he's overly slowly, seems weak and struggles to move. He was in the same spot today from when I put him in the tank yesterday. Hes gotten significantly thinner over the past few days and won't even eat bloodworm cubes anymore mow. Neither with worms. Checked the water parameters and everything looks ok. No ammonia, no nitrate. Ph is 7. (Maybe too high? My other axolotl isnt having any issues though)... he's showing signs with stress since putting him in the tank. Gills and tail are curled. I'm fearing the worst and dont know what else to do. :/

 

[CJ1981]

What temp is your tank currently and are you able to post a photo? Thanks

 

[HayleyK]

Did you out him straight into the tank? Or slowly diffuse tank water into his cold water? Depending on your tank temperature that's a pretty big temperature difference. I know heat stress can cause axolotls to go off food but Sydney's kind of been like winter the last week or so, but I wonder if radical temperature changes can do that too? Just a suggestion...

I had one that refused food, it took a lot if patience and trying every few hours until she finally ate just half a worm.

 

[Petersgirl]

Also, how old is your axxie, and are you sure he's definetely a he? Male axxies sometimes go off their food just before they release spermaphores. I've also noticed as my Toothie has gotten older he'll eat less and sometimes he'll outright refuse to eat. Knowing the temp will also help as they eat less when they are cold.

I have three suggestions - you can try changing their food to something they find hard to resist, such as blackworm (or, if you know it, their favourite 'baby food.') You can also try simply feeding every day until they take some (it may take a week or so).

The best suggestion, however, I think would be to see a vet. A rapid loss of weight like that plus the lethargy would really concern me.

Good luck to you and your baby!

 

[steve611]

I transitioned it into the tank wate4 but didn't take into account the temperature. That must be why. Tank is is about 18 degrees usually. In the fridge it was around 8 degrees.
I will pick up some earthworms today and try to feed him.
My axolotl was 3 months old as of jan 2013, so still not sure of he really is a he or a she lol. There is not much of a visible bump under the tail so he might even be a she for all i know. When should i be able to tell what gender they are?

Thanks for the reply guys. In the scenario that the sudden fluctuation in environmental temperature is contributing to the refusal ofood, should I just keep him in the tank or try to transition him into the fridge?

 

[Amy82]

It could be an impaction. Do you have them on gravel like in your user pic? If they ingest the gravel it can get stuck and block the digestive track.

 

[steve611]

Nah I have them on play sand although I used to have coral sand in the tank before I took it all out and put the play sand in. Maybe a stray piece I didnt pull out somehow found its way into my axies stomach? What can I do to get him to eat earthworms again. Wont even nudge if I wave one around right in front of him...

 

[layna]

Hey just leave your axie in the tank, he doesnt need to be in the fridge yet.
If he wont eat earthworms, offer him something else if you have it; bloodworm, waxworm, blackworm, pellets, shrimp, if he wont take anything then just keep offering something a couple of times a day and he will eventually become interested again

 

[steve611]

Just went to go try feed him again and he was lying on his side. Scooped him up in a net and put him in a container and he fell in on his back and didn't move... I think he passed away Although I'm not too sure as I thought I saw him move when I scooped him up.... Can Axolotls really get that lethargic when ill or is he just gone?

 

[steve611]

ALso did another water test, Ammonia = 0, Nitrtite = 0, Nitrate = between 0 and 5. Temperature has been fluctuating around 18 degrees, never over 20. Only thing I can think of was a massive temperature spike one really hot day when he was in the smaller tank... got to about 28 degrees that day as I was away and my parents forgot to ice bottle the tank for me. Ever since then I noticed him to be a little less vicious when it comes to eating and started to reject earthworms... is it possible in the long run the temperature spike could be at fault? Or maybe just the fact he hasn't eaten in about 1 week?

 

[HayleyK]

What end up happening, is he still with you?

Once my axolotl played dead on me, I was at work and my parents told me a he had passed as she was white and not moving at all and looked limp. I got home 5 hours later or something and she was in the exact same position, I nudged her and she didn't move so I sat there watching her upset, then she slightly moved and lived for another two years. I just recently had to put her down so I know how rough it can be losing an axolotl, so I hope all is well.

It could have been the heat stress/fluctuating temperatures since your readings look okay. How long has your tank been established?

And axolotls who are a healthy plump weight can go a while without food

 

[layna]

Hey im sorry to hear, if your unsure just leave him in the tub with a towel over the top so its dark and go back to check in a few hours if he isnt responsive at all then i think he may have passed.
Temp problems can cause big trouble for axies and does usually put them off their food for a few weeks, but if he was a healthy axie beforehand he should be able to survive weeks without eating a thing

 

[steve611]

I left him in a container overnight and marked his position. In the morning his eyes were swollen and had a thick layer of white mucus on his body and was still in the exact same position. Wouldn't nudge. So Im pretty certain my little cuau has passed.

Was cyxling for about 3 to 5 weeks and has been cycled since february this year. Never had problems with this tank. My other little one was a bit problematic but after the temperature spike I moved them to a bigger tank and they were getting healthier again. I notice d though on the little guys abdominal region, his stomach looked indented or as if was being sucked in from the inside. Could an internal parasite be at play...?

Thanks guys for the messages and replies

 

[HayleyK]

I'm so sorry to hear May he rest in peace.

As for the indent, I wouldn't have a clue. If there is a herp vet nearby you can ask for an autopsy to be done to determine c.o.d

 

[Amy82]

Sorry for you loss.

 

[Petersgirl]

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss May your beloved pet swim under the Rainbow Bridge.

 

[steve611]

Thanks for the messages. Means a lot.

Just a quick query I noticed my tank is leaking a tiny bit on the edges covered in silicon with black tape. Is it possible this could have somehow contributed to cuau's death? Idk maybe excessive silicon consumption or something? Just seems too coincidental that its all happening around the same time.

 

[Petersgirl]

Was it possible that he could have eaten the silicone? Was some missing or had it simply rotted?

Silicone can break down and leak into the water, so I've heard. But I can't explain why his tummy was indented.

To be honest, I think a vet's autopsy is the only way to be sure. Again, I'm sorry about your axxie

 

[steve611]

Yeah there was a piece or two saw floating around the tank. I already buried him so i dont think autopsy is in the question... :/

Thanks for the help appreciate it.