Help!!! Huge Air Bubble in Axolotls Stomach

[gfsward]

My young axolotl has had an air bubble for a few days now and it has been getting bigger. This air bubble has been affecting his behavior and is forcing my axie to float upside down. It's bigger than his abdomen usually is and looks terribly painful.
I have him in much less water and all the parameters are good. I've changed his water daily since it started. I don't know what else to do. Please help.
The picture is what it looks like.

 

[Martin21114]

That looks like bloat not an air bubble. I'd see the vet asap.

 

[gfsward]

I don't have enough money to pay a vet though :'(

 

[Erzs]

Have you called around? There may be a surgery willing to help. Vet fees for exotics aren't always as extortionate as expected. I've had my fair share recently and after the initial consultation fees it isn't too expensive for repeat visits and medication.

Unfortunately I'm unsure there is anything that you can do alone for your axolotl. It will need to see a vet to stand a chance. If there isn't a surgery willing to help or offer a payment plan perhaps there is a member of family who can help?

I hope your axolotl will be okay.

 

[Chirple]

I'm sorry that there is no other answer good answer.

Here is an article about bloat in newts : Caudata Culture Articles: Bloat

Since yours is floating, I am not sure if this is the same thing. I have seen axolotls with what has been called bloat that do not float or have problems staying down.

This article mentions something called "gas bubble disease" : Caudata Culture Articles - Illness Part 1

Here is a thread from a user who had an axolotl that also floated from an air bubble : http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...lotl-has-been-floating-upside-down-month.html

There is a very detailed post from Rayson a bit of a ways down.

 

[gfsward]

Thank you all so much for commenting! I'm really sad to say that he, Bubbles, died last night :'( he'll be missed.
I think it might have been the gas bubble disease, because it certainly was a bubble, not fluid. I'm still not entirely sure though :-/
Thank you all again