Lip swelling

[Zofran5]

Around September of 2021 (first picture) I noticed that my axie Zofran’s lip was a little bit fatter on the left side. I kept an eye on it and it didn’t seem to change much. Over the next months it grew a small fraction but only noticeable to me.

I’ve been dealing with crippling autoimmune issues recently and haven’t been able to do regular water changes for a few months, which I feel absolutely horrible about. I’ve noticed that his gill health has become poor compared to normal, and then yesterday I saw that his lip swelled significantly on the left probably within the last 2 weeks (second photo). I’m enlisting help to get his water changed weekly and back into parameters, but is there anything else I can do for this? What might be going on?

 

[Autistic Catholic]

You're probably to have to treat with amphibian-safe antibiotics. Looks like a bacterial infection.

 

[wolfen]

looks like his lip has a slight infection. might need to see a vet as he might need anti-biotics.
by the looks of it the water went bad causing gill regression, now that you are getting on top of it keep a eye on the water parameters, keep the water cool and well oxygenated, also make sure the substrate is turned over when doing a water change.

 

[Zofran5]

Thank you both! I’ll move him into a smaller tank in the morning and get started on treatment

 

[Zofran5]

Treatment update:
Most axolotl-safe antibiotics have been discontinued within the last year. It’s been a struggle finding medications in a timely manner.

I bought Kanaplex and medicated as directed (3 doses over 6 days). The lip swelling reduced, but his jaw is still swollen on the left and needs further treatment.

This is him after the course of Kanaplex. Swelling is markedly better, but you can see his jaw still isn’t normal.

I found and ordered Furan-2 off eBay. In the meantime I’m considering low doses of Melafix to get him through, unless anyone advises otherwise? I understand it can be irritating to their skin and don’t want to do any harm. I’m also making John’s solution to improve the hardness.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Treatment update:
Most axolotl-safe antibiotics have been discontinued within the last year. It’s been a struggle finding medications in a timely manner.

I bought Kanaplex and medicated as directed (3 doses over 6 days). The lip swelling reduced, but his jaw is still swollen on the left and needs further treatment.

View attachment 92570
View attachment 92571

This is him after the course of Kanaplex. Swelling is markedly better, but you can see his jaw still isn’t normal.

I found and ordered Furan-2 off eBay. In the meantime I’m considering low doses of Melafix to get him through, unless anyone advises otherwise? I understand it can be irritating to their skin and don’t want to do any harm. I’m also making John’s solution to improve the hardness.

Check out this website:

28 Axolotl Safe Medications & Treatments: The Complete List • Fantaxies

Sometimes we find ourselves with a sick lotl that needs […]

fantaxies.com

 

[wolfen]

Treatment update:
Most axolotl-safe antibiotics have been discontinued within the last year. It’s been a struggle finding medications in a timely manner.

I bought Kanaplex and medicated as directed (3 doses over 6 days). The lip swelling reduced, but his jaw is still swollen on the left and needs further treatment.

View attachment 92570
View attachment 92571

This is him after the course of Kanaplex. Swelling is markedly better, but you can see his jaw still isn’t normal.

I found and ordered Furan-2 off eBay. In the meantime I’m considering low doses of Melafix to get him through, unless anyone advises otherwise? I understand it can be irritating to their skin and don’t want to do any harm. I’m also making John’s solution to improve the hardness.

that's a massive improvement, his gills are growing back lovely and the swelling is almost gone. please bare in mind that because he's had the issue for so long that his jaw might remain slightly off for the rest of his life.