Help!!

[Dewberrystroll]

My male Axi (lecustic type) Vinny has been floating for a week or more nowI followed your fridging guide and nothing. I suspect the greedy boy has eaten some of the very very fine gravel I had in there. While he was in the fridge I replaced all the gravel with large pebbles so I know if it is that it won't happen again.
But he just won't poop. His back end isn't swollen but he seems to be floating to one side. And the silly boy has just got around the back of his filter and got the end of his tail stuck in the filter! I am going to re fridge him, but can anyone help with any advice? I'm so scared I'm going to loose my little man thanks guys. Oh by the way his lady friend, lady Eleanor is fine (wild type) she's very active and eating well.

A very distressed Rachie xx

 

[Morrison]

Make sure (fridging or in a separate container) that the water is just covering his back/gills, so that he's able to stand on the bottom of the container. He would be less stressed than when he's floating around.

 

[maghan6]

Personally, I would remove all if the pebbles from the tank. Axolotls can swallow rocks that are almost as big as their heads, and large stones trap uneaten food and debris which makes cleaning very difficult to keep up with. Most axies do fine in a bare bottom setup.

Also, what are you feeding them? Sometimes feeding earthworms can "coat" any gravel they have ingested, which makes it easier for them to pass the stones.

The tail should heal quickly if it was damaged by the filter. Just keep an eye out for fungus(looks like cotton). Adding plain black tea to the container can also help soothe the slime coat and prevent fungal infections from developing.

 

[Alkylhalide]

I would be keeping him in the fridge.
They can live up to amonth in thefridge depending on the health of them prior. Make sure the fridge keeps the water over 5-6C i normally keep a thermometer in a glass of water in the fridge to keep a close eye.

If he did swallow rocks, i would do as stated above and try feeding it worms. It will help get him to regurgitate everything in its tummy.

Are you making sure you are doing 100% water changes daily with dechlorinated water that is in the fridge as well? To avoid temp shock.

As far as injury my advice would be to add steeped black tea to your water about 20minutes before you do your daily water change in the tub(remember to have the tea at fridge temp as well) to soothe its skin.

I dont know how long you had your lotl in the fridge initially but i would say give it a week or two. Leave him in the fridge except to do your water changes. Taking him out/putting him back in is stressful because its fluctuating temps.

Also when you do a water change try to feed him, everyday. He may not eat but if you can keep the fridge on the high side(or just wrap the tub in a towel it helps keep it warmer) then it may help him eat.

If you are lucky he will regurgitate whatever he swallowed if he can. Keep us updated on his progress

 

[Dewberrystroll]

Thankyou for all your help guys. I'm so stressed! He is in the fridge at a steady 5 degrees. The water is just above his gills not entirely covering his back. He's still lopsided though!
I usually feed him on worms, with bloodworm occasionally as a treat. He's just not interested at all! I will keep pushing them though.
I am doing the 100% water changes with dechorinated fridge temperature water daily. I will try the tea method this afternoon. I really hope he gets better soon. He been in there 24 hours now. I previously left him in there for 3 days, with no improvement. I'll keep you posted. Again thankyou xx

 

[Dewberrystroll]

Quick update. Vincent is still in the fridge. And at the moment there is no change. He won't eat and he's still a bit lopsided when I add the tea to his water. I'll keep going though.

 

[Dewberrystroll]

And now he's upside down :-( xx

 

[Dipsy66]

Thankyou for all your help guys. I'm so stressed! He is in the fridge at a steady 5 degrees. The water is just above his gills not entirely covering his back. He's still lopsided though!
I usually feed him on worms, with bloodworm occasionally as a treat. He's just not interested at all! I will keep pushing them though.
I am doing the 100% water changes with dechorinated fridge temperature water daily. I will try the tea method this afternoon. I really hope he gets better soon. He been in there 24 hours now. I previously left him in there for 3 days, with no improvement. I'll keep you posted. Again thankyou xx

Don't stress too much (can't talk though cause I was the same) and don't worry about him not eating. My lass didn't touch food during her 5 days stay in the fridge but soon picked up her appetite again when put back in the tank.

As I understand it, the cooler water slows their metabolic rate and so they done't bother so much with food but they heal quicker.

Keep us updated.

 

[Dewberrystroll]

Vinny sadly passed away this morning. I think that a combination of the heat and his compaction finally took its toll. I'm a gibbering wreck here! Thankyou for all your help guys. At least we tried xx

 

[snuggly time]

Sorry for your loss.

As said above, bare bottom tanks are just fine for axolotls. Mine has no substrate and he gets around fine. It is worth while since you have another axolotl and removing gravel will ensure she doesn't go through the same experience.

 

[Dewberrystroll]

I have removed all the gravel from the tank. I have a new little girl I've called Alice. They seem to be getting on well on the bare bottom.