Illness/Sickness: Fungal on juvenile axie

[xXNetRavenXx]

Okay so I have a younger axolotl that I got about two weeks ago, he has been fine living in a 20gal tank since then. Recently I decided to change the substrate (Rocks to sand) and did a water change, he was fine for a day.... Then the next day I came home from school to find the water temp dramatically changed to a unreasonable 76-78 degrees, and found my axie floating slightly to one side !! I quickly regulated the temperature down to 62 - 60ish degrees using ice and ice water bottles... he seemed to be on the road to recovery (eating and swimming, not floating), but alas... the stress I caused him did the damage already and he started getting this weird fugal stuff on his arms and legs, I thought it was food stuck to him but when I realized he wasent doing too well (floating on side again) I quickly administered some axoltol first aid (refridgeration, one salt bath) he has been in the fridge for a day now and seems to be doing better (more responsive) but still has the fungal on him.... so should I keep doing salt baths?

 

[xXNetRavenXx]

I don't know, he seems to be getting worse.... I just gave him a salt bath and he moved only a little bit.... I am so afraid he is on his way out......

 

[Jacquie]

You've certainly done your research and that is great!

Fungus is very frustrating as it can take weeks to clear. You will need to continue with the salt baths until it is all gone I'm afraid. Salt baths in conjunction with fridging is an effective way to combat fungal infections.

I'm not sure if you already know this, but please remember to use fridged dechlorinated water for both water changes, and salt baths. This ensures the axolotl is not subjected to temperature shocks.

Fridging guide: http://www.caudata.org/axolotl-sanctuary/Fridging.shtml

For such a severe case of fungus, you will need to give the axolotl two to three salt baths per day. Always make a fresh bath each time.

Salt bath in conjunction with fridging:

-Prepare a tub of fresh water, using the dechlorinated water stored in the fridge.

-Dissolve two to three teaspoons of salt per litre of water (suitable salts are: sea salt, kosher salt or fresh water aquarium salt - do not use table salt!).

-Take axolotl out of the fridge, and transfer him to the bath.

-Leave axolotl in the bath for ten minutes, no longer than 15 minutes though, as the salt will start to damage his gills and skin.

-At the conclusion of the salt bath, transfer the axolotl back to the container which is housing him in the fridge.

Please keep us posted as to your axolotl's progress. He or she is a lovely colour!

 

[ianclick]

Hi netraven,

An axolotl in the fridge will be less responsive as the fridging slows down the metabolism. I would keep him in the fridge for at least a week and follow the salt bath routine that Jacq has provided and all should end happilly

Good Luck

 

[xXNetRavenXx]

He really stopped moving at all, even during salt baths.... I am pretty sure he is dead

 

[xXNetRavenXx]

and the fungus spread to his gills........ how sad... poor little guy