Illness/Sickness: I think my axolotl might be sick, can anyone help me?

[Timothy M.]

I have an axolotl, and have had him for about 2 years. He has very short gills, but has had short gills since we moved him to a 20gal tank which was probably 1 1/2 years ago. I read somewhere that this was because of oxygenated water. In the past few weeks, he hasn’t been eating much, and been a bit lethargic. This has happened in the past, but usually just with warm temperatures. I’m wondering if this is a problem, and what I can do to fix it. I’m going to change his water tomorrow, but to my knowledge, his water should have normal levels, from last time I checked.

I’ve attached some pictures, in case those are helpful.

Thank you for your advice!

 

[Caltastic]

Hi I just read your post and see it was a while ago. How are things?

 

[Timothy M.]

I got a new testing kit (old one was expired) and it says that all of the water parameters are fine. Im going to start giving him salt baths, but I might try putting him in our mini fridge, which only ever gets down to about 50f. Is that a bad idea? If he’s not better in a week, I’m going to take him to an emergency vet. I’ve contacted a few in the area, so if salt baths don’t improve his condition I have a backup plan.

 

[Caltastic]

I'm quite a new owner my 2 hatched in July. I'm not sure about putting them in the fridge some say it's good others say it shouldn't be done I almost did that I had a real panic a couple of weeks ago. Amigo was in his cave on his side not moving but when I went to take him out he moved his tale slightly. So we changed the water about 50% which made it colder. The wasn't moving and his back legs were weak he kept going on his side. I didn't feed him for about 3 days I also put some ice the water regularly I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not but I thought its better to be in cold tank than fridge . I think the prob with the fridge is changing the water and keeping it clean. Amigo a huge poop. I think it may of been the pellets expanding and making him constipated. I ended up separating Chingu as he started to bully Amigo. Amigo is bigger but vulnerable. You sound like a really caring owner I hope everything goes well. I wish I had the know to give you some good advice

 

[Timothy M.]

Yeah, I’ve made an appointment with an emergency vet, so I’m taking him tomorrow. We’ve been on a vacation for a few days, but I changed his water and gave him fresh food before I left, so as soon as we get back I’ll take him in and see what they say

 

[Bellabelloo]

Hi
May I ask why you are wanting to give him a salt bath? Also what are you feeding him? Looking at the photo his body shape is good. Mine used to some times stop or reduce feeding during the cooler months, or even just on a whim.

 

[Timothy M.]

Hi
May I ask why you are wanting to give him a salt bath? Also what are you feeding him? Looking at the photo his body shape is good. Mine used to some times stop or reduce feeding during the cooler months, or even just on a whim.

He hasn’t been eating, he’s sometimes floating and his gills are quite small, so I don’t really have another answer. I think that it could be bacterial or fungal, so that was going to be my next step. I’ve fed him red wiggler earthworms, and hikari carnivore sinking pellets.