Illness/Sickness: Help

[Mroks9]

It looks like my juvenile axolotl has an abscess on the side of his body. That or it might be an open wound . He also has a small slit on his tail, so I took out the fake plant I had in there in case it was that that cut him.

I've been doing full water changes the past 3 days but the abscess seems to have gotten bigger. There is also a bit of fuzziness surrounding the wound. I'm afraid it might be a fungus infection growing on it. Is it ok to give him salt baths with this wound/abscess??

Any other recommendations? I really don't want my little guy to die. I've only had him 2 months but I've become very attached already.

p.s. I also noticed that starting yesterday he has been moving his gills in a rhythmic way. Back all the way then fully spread. They don't curl up into his face but its almost like that is happening in sync with his breathing pattern.

 

[Tarabull]

Is it still eating? If it is there is a chance it may heal. If he isn't then you may want to think of humane ulternatives. You could try taking it to a vet but it may be too small for them to help it. The fuzzy white has me worried. Keep cleaning the water often. I had a small baby that my cat scratched before I could stop him. He had a smaller cut like this on its side, that I'm assuming was muscle sticking out, and it healed.

 

[dmoeller]

my axolotl moves his gills like that too. It is just when they are still for a long time they do that to get more oxygen

 

[axolover703]

hmm...worst case scenario is that it could be a tumor or hernia. It would probably be good to seek out a vet that can help you with an axolotl. You should do some research on exotic vets in your area. I hope your little buddy will be okay!

 

[Otterwoman]

Also check out the medical articles in Caudata Culture (see my sig).