help im new and have sick axie!

[katie]

Hi, i would really appriciate some help. Axel has been off food for 3 weeks now, im giving her 2x salt baths, plus keeping in fridge. i have checked ph etc all ok, and have no idea what to do?!
she has curled gills but since been in fridge(2 weeks) these have un curled but end of tail is still bent, which i have read is a sign that they are not happy.
i really dont want to loose her. her fave food is are bloodworms, she never liked anything else.im stuck!!!!!!!

 

[Kaysie]

Katie, why are you giving salt baths and fridge treatment?

Both of these can cause stress, which can lead to not eating and gill curling. Axolotls that are kept below 10C will almost always refuse food.

More important than pH is to check your ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

 

[katie]

i noticed a small dark red blob, like a blood blister on gill and also what looked like a fluffy substance on the same gill. ive read on other threads about salt baths for fungas and also keep them in fridge so thought i would give it a go. i have tested for nitrates etc and all have shown good results.
Axel doesnt seem to be too distressed and does looked a bit better since has been in fridge, the fungas has gone,bllod blister still there,still no colour in gills but hasnt been moving a lot so could explain that. do you think i should try and put her back in her tank?

 

[Kaysie]

If the fungus is gone, and you think the source of the problem is fixed (this is usually high temperature or poor water quality), then I would slowly acclimate it to the tank temperatures again (usually by leaving it out at room temperature for a few hours) and put it back in the tank. After it has settled in, try offering food.

It's not usual for axolotls to refuse food. I've had some go off food for as long as a month with no ill effects.

Good luck.