Growth on arm?

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Stez

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I've recently noticed that Steve's left arm has become bloated and misshapen. He has been refusing food for about 5 days now - he either swallows it, only to spit it back out after a few minutes, or just spits it out straight away. He's trying to eat, but it's as if he can't. Other than that, he's been behaving normally. Here are some pics: https://imgur.com/a/ACYMy
 
I recommend seeing a vet. It sounds like it might be an infection of some sort, which would require antibiotics.
 
LSuzuki said:
I recommend seeing a vet. It sounds like it might be an infection of some sort, which would require antibiotics.
Click to expand...

That's not possible, unfortunately. If I was able to get some antibiotics, I would probably be able to drain it myself and then administer them, but I wouldn't know which ones to get.
 
He managed to keep a small earthworm down. :)
He isn't behaving any different than usual. I'm going to have a feel of the lump tomorrow, and I will try to get some better pictures for you guys. Not sure what to do, other than that.
 
Are there any antibiotics that go in the water that might treat this, if I were to drain the thing myself? It does seem as if it's an abscess.
 
It doesn't look good for Steve. I can't get him to a vet that would know what to do with him, and the lump seems to be growing. I'm considering amputating the limb. I could get a clean cut just past the beginning of the arm, enough to take off all of the growth. Is anybody there?
 
I don't have any experience with axolotls, but in the case of an amputation I would still consult a vet to make sure it is done properly with sterilized equipment etc. I am sorry I can't be of further help. I hope Steve pulls through this ok.
 
Hi,

You really need to get him to a vet. Where in the UK are you? There are several places you can look for vets dealing with exotics, e.g. Herp Veterinarians - England (also listings for Scotland, Wales if you're there), Herp Vet Connection , or even yell or similar. There are vets that will treat axolotls, so please try to find one.

Doing any amputation or surgical procedure without appropriate analgesia and anaesthesia is completely unacceptable (under normal circumstances).

Hope you can get him sorted out.

Bruce.
 
Does Steve share his home with any other axolotl? Could it be an injury from anything in the tank?

From the photo's it is hard to tell what the problem is. It could be a break or it could be an infection. If it gets worse I would advise you take your axolotl to see a vet, rather than guess on how to treat him.
I would contact my local vet and ask if they treat exotic animals, if they don't ask them who does with in the area. Once you have found an exotic vet, I personally would ask for an appointment, but also request and email address so you can send the photo's in advance, so the vet may have time to consult other vets.
 
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bellabelloo said:
Does Steve share his home with any other axolotl? Could it be an injury from anything in the tank?

From the photo's it is hard to tell what the problem is. It could be a break or it could be an infection. If it gets worse I would advise you take your axolotl to see a vet, rather than guess on how to treat him.
I would contact my local vet and ask if they treat exotic animals, if they don't ask them who does with in the area. Once you have found an exotic vet, I personally would ask for an appointment, but also request and email address so you can send the photo's in advance, so the vet may have time to consult other vets.
Click to expand...

There are no exotic vets in my area, and the vet in my area doesn't know anything about axolotls. He has no tankmates, and there's nothing in the tank that he could've injured himself on. I emailed an exotic vet and he says it's either an infection or a tumor. He has eaten an earthworm per day for the last two days, and is otherwise acting normally - the lump; however, is not going away.

I'm not really sure what to do. :( If it's a tumour, then I think amputation would be best, and I'm quite confident that I could take it off cleanly and ensuring sterility - but if it's some kind of bacterial infection, that could make it worse.

EDIT: The water parameters are all fine too.
 
Do not amputate your axolotl. Without proper professional training its cruel and unethical. I would say the same for trying to drain it yourself. You're only likely to make it worse, you need to get ahold of a vet. The ability to take it to a vet if needed is something you need to consider before getting any pet.

If you cannot for whatever reason take it to a vet I would consider surrendering it to someone who has the capability, but under NO circumstances should you amputate it, no matter how confident you feel your ability to do so.

I hope your axie gets better.
 
silk said:
Do not amputate your axolotl. Without proper professional training its cruel and unethical. I would say the same for trying to drain it yourself. You're only likely to make it worse, you need to get ahold of a vet. The ability to take it to a vet if needed is something you need to consider before getting any pet.

If you cannot for whatever reason take it to a vet I would consider surrendering it to someone who has the capability, but under NO circumstances should you amputate it, no matter how confident you feel your ability to do so.

I hope your axie gets better.
Click to expand...

As I've said, I can't get him to a vet that would know what to do with him. Here is an updated pic, it's bigger now: https://imgur.com/YP2N5yB

I could really use some input on this, from anybody who might be watching: Do you think it's a tumour, or an abscess?
 
Stez said:
As I've said, I can't get him to a vet that would know what to do with him. Here is an updated pic, it's bigger now: https://imgur.com/YP2N5yB

I could really use some input on this, from anybody who might be watching: Do you think it's a tumour, or an abscess?
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but you CANNOT tell by looking at an image of it, although in some cases it might be possible to lean one way or another. Physical examination might or might not give a further tending one way or another, but in many cases only investigation (possible radiograph, biopsy and/or exploratory surgery) will determine what it is.

Bear in mind that mycobacterial abscess (fish TB) is one possibility, and it is zoonotic, i.e. could affect you, particularly if you tried any surgery. The vet you mentioned should be able to liaise with a more experienced vet if he/she wants, and working with him/her really is going to be the best option for your axolotl I believe.

Hope you get it sorted.

Bruce.
 
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