Help! Axolotl rapidly losing gills

[Rosarocks]

Earlier today I noticed a small spot on my axolotl's gill, it looked like she was possibly losing gills (the red frilly part) in that area. Then when I got home today around 9 the spot had gotten bigger and it had started on another one. Now a few hours later both spots are much bigger! I'm afraid she won't have any gills by morning! It's an established tank. I tested the water parameters and they're fine but I just did a partial water change just in case. The temp is a little warm 68 degrees. I have aquarium fans. She eats earthworms. I haven't noticed any other signs of illness. No tank mates. Here's some pics of them throughout the day.

 

[AxolotlChris]

Could you post the exact test results for your Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, and PH?

It's strange how the fimbriae are coming off in patches..

Have you introduced anything new to your tank recently?

 

[LSuzuki]

Just to make sure, when you say, "no tank mates", that includes "no fish" (etc), correct?

 

[Rosarocks]

Ya it's just her in there, no fish or anything. Ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 10 ppm. I don't have a test for ph. The new things we introduced were two new live plants a week or two ago. Could that have anything to do with it?

 

[Rosarocks]

Okay I tested the water again today and I think my original nitrate reading was wrong. Ammonia and nitrites are still 0 but the nitrates are high 40-80ppm so obviously I'll do more water changes. Is this what could have caused her gill problems or should I be worried about it being something else? Her condition has stayed the same since last night, no further loss.

 

[AxolotlChris]

Nitrates need to be below 40 ppm. So every week test your tank, if nitrates are 40ppm or higher perform a 30% water change then test again afterwards to make sure the water change lowered the Nitrate sufficiently.

All I can suggest is monitoring the gills for now. Perhaps find a vet that can deal with caudates so you are prepared if the problem gets worse. There's a chance the plants may have brought something with them but it's hard to say!