My axolotl has a strange growth (photos included)

[AnthonyGeorge]

A few days ago I noticed that my axolotl had this strange growth between her hind legs. I didn't do anything about it because I didn't get a super good look at it and I thought it wasn't anything major. After getting a better look at it and seeing that it hasn't healed at all I've realized that it is something I should definitely be worried about and should have acted upon sooner. After asking around online I decided moved her into a separate tank (she usually lives with my male axolotl who is perfectly fine) where I will change the water twice daily and I put her in the refrigerator to help stop the pain. I was told to post here for some more advice pertaining to what the growth is and what I can do to help with it. So can anyone help me? Also, I would like to know if I should change her feeding habits, usually I feed her and her partner 2 of these pellets (pic: http://i.imgur.com/CGmBvWS.jpg) each by dropping 4 into their shared cage at once, I do this once in the morning and once at night.

 

[Bellabelloo]

I am pretty sure this is not something that you can treat. This needs to be looked at by a vet.

 

[Morrison]

I agree with Julia.

 

[michael]

It looks like it is a cloacal prolapse and not a growth. I would back off on the food a little. Feeding twice a week is more appropriate for an adult axolotl than twice a day. Feeding something softer would be a good idea.

 

[Kaysie]

I agree with Michael, especially given the dark spot in front (pooled blood?).

A prolapse should be treated by a vet.

 

[Quentari]

Oh god this happened to my mother in law's axolotl just a few days ago. Believe me get it to the vet asap, if you can't afford a vet (this will sound horrible) but you should probably euthanize it now. Otherwise it will die slowly and painfully. It was horrible to watch and I wish I'd gotten to little Merlin sooner, but there's pretty much nothing you can do at home other than fridge-ing it until you can take her to a vet.

 

[AnthonyGeorge]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I really want to take her to the vet as soon as I can so I can help her, but there's just one concern, price. Does anyone have any approximation as to how much it would cost to have her taken to a vet?

 

[michael]

It will be expensive. Most vets don't know how to manage an amphibian prolapse problem. Some times a prolapse will go back in on its own. This one looks pretty big and I have my doubts.

I would feed softer food and feed it less often. I would have to think hard about taking it to a vet or not.

 

[AnthonyGeorge]

The vet said they couldn't do surgery or anything since it's like a fish and can't be given pain shots or have surgery done easily, so I guess the only thing I can do is wait and see what happens. From being in the fridge the bump seems to have decreased in size a little bit, but that may just be me being hopeful. Anyways, thanks for all the help guys! I'm going to continue to take care of her with hopes that she'll heal and I'll be sure to post the results!

 

[Kerry M]

Perhaps do a search for vets that treat exotic pets in your area. You can give an axie shots such as antibiotics (my Darwin is on a course). If it is a prolapse could a vet not carefully put it in without surgery?

Good luck, you must really be worrying about your little girl. I was in your position a few weeks ago. The vet did cost a bit but they have been really helpful. They just called 1/2 hour ago to check up on Darwin.

 

[Quentari]

If the vet can do fish I think they're supposed to put it back in (using cotton buds and a lubricant) then do a little purse stitch so it doesn't happen again. Unfortunately not many vets do axies. Even when they do exotics they don't do axies

 

[AnthonyGeorge]

Yeah, I couldn't find anyone who does axolotls around here, but it would most likely be too expensive to do if I could find someone, so I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing because she seems to be getting better. Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Kaysie]

Where are you located, for reference?

A prolapse of that size will almost surely reoccur.