Cause of Death?

[AxyFacts]

Good morning, friends. My axy had seemed to be in perfect health when she suddenly died during tank transport. She was only about 10 months old. I had put her into a small tub so that I could drain her tank and move it, and she was in the small tub undisturbed on my kitchen counter overnight. When I got up in the morning, I discovered she had died. Her body showed no external signs of injury and the water tested within normal limits. She'd been eating and pooping normally so no sign of impaction. I'm so sad! I'm looking for advice so I can try to prevent this from happening again when I'm ready to get a new axy. What do you think is the likeliest cause of death? Stress? Injury from thrashing in the tub? She definitely wasn't too happy about going into the tub (big startle reactions when I put the top on), but once she was in there she seemed ok.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Did the tub have chemical residues, maybe?
Was she acclimated to the tub?
If it wasn't those things, it may have been that she just had a genetic defect. Impossible to tell for certain without an autopsy. Rest in peace, little girl.

 

[wolfen]

was there air holes in lid, as Autistic Catholic said it could be detergent residue, whilst in a tub there is no filtration so the only parameter to test for is ammonia, was the water dechlorinated before use and clean before leaving her overnight.
it could be numerous things or nothing that you could have changed or done differently.
sorry for your loss

 

[AxyFacts]

Thank you for your thoughtful responses. I wonder if it was a lack of oxygen, as Lucretia had grown over the summer (I had to move her tank in June) and perhaps the temporary tub didn't hold enough water for her to stay overnight. These boards are filled with helpful advice and helpful humans! Thank you again!