Bloated Axolotl Help

[Quirls]

Hi Everyone,

I have two axolotls and one of them has repeatedly bloated for the past month or so. The first time my axolotl bloated it wasn't too bad and after around 4 hours in the fridge was back to normal. I made a conscious effort to feed him/her a tiny meal but hours later it bloated again. I put the axolotl back in the fridge and again he/she returned to normal and was fine for more than a week... Then to my horror one day I found the axolotl bloated like a balloon floating helplessly on top of the water. It was horrid it's stomach looked close to exploding and I thought it had internal bleeding! I fridged the poor little thing and it took around a week in the fridge for the bloat to go away. Since this incident the axolotl has been ok again but I can still see what looks like a bubble inside although the axolotl doesn't seem in any distress I am in a constant state of worry in case it bloats up again! What can I do to 'cure' my axolotl of this bloat once and for all?!

BTW I have no stones or anything in my tank that the greedy little blighter might try and eat that may cause impaction...

 

[RupertxGiles]

If this has been going on this long and your axie is still looking like it is ready to pop it needs to see a vet. Poor thing .

 

[pondweed]

I second going to a vet. From what I've been reading (in preparation for getting my own 'Lotls), bloat is one of those things you can't really take chances with. Get them checked out.

 

[snuggly time]

What are you feeding it? Have you tried different food?
Taking it to a vet might be a good idea as said above.

 

[Quirls]

I've spoken with my local vet but they don't know much about Axolotls... I've also spoken with the Aquatics centre where I purchased the axolotls and all they could advise was fridging

 

[Petersgirl]

Sounds like an air bubble in the axolotl's stomach. If it is this, or bloat, you may need to find another vet if possible.

You could try keeping your axolotl in the fridge in the meantime though. The cooler temperature may encourage him/her to expel any trapped wind. Try to carry on feeding as normal and keep an eye on him/her, just as you did before.

What are your tank parameters and what is your usual temp?

 

[Quirls]

The aquatics shop suggested a change of diet and recommended daphnia. I'm pleased to report no more bloating maybe my axolotl was a bit too small for frozen blood worms? I will continue feeding eith the daphnia for the foreseeable future and see how things go...