Pebble swallowing

[Kiowa]

Hi

What are the symptoms if an axolotl swallowed a pebble. It don't think it has happend to my axolotls but I like to make sure.

Thank you.:wacko:

 

[sherylbobbins]

It depends how big the pebble is. I know with my albino axolotl, you can see dark pebbles inside it's belly *nods*. I also find that if they mysteriously gain a lot of weight during a period of a few hours, a pebble may be your problem. A lot of other people know a lot more about this than me though.

 

[Kiowa]

Hello

Thank you for helping sherylbobbins.

 

[sherylbobbins]

Why type of substrate do you have in your tank? A rule of thumb with axies is if it can fit it in it's mouth, it's probably going to be eaten.

 

[gr33neyes]

It depends on the size of the pebble as to the symptoms it will pose.
The axolotl may appear to be constipated (no faeces seen for a few days) and also refuse food if the pebble has become stuck in the gut.
You may see an obvious bulge in its abdomen.
A spell in the fridge can help an axolotl to pass a large stone. Fridging slows their metabolism and the lower temperature means they wont be so hungry.
Unfortunately its not always a happy ending. Trying to pass a large stone can cause a prolapse or the stone may just become stuck and the axolotl will die.

 

[Kiowa]

I appreciate the help everyone.

I use to have 1-5cm pebbles and most of them were not suitable for the axolotls so now I've got large soft surfaced Quartz rocks (to avoid injury) from an acient river bed which I sterlized thoroughly. I put the 3cm-5cm pebbles tightly between gaps so the axolotls will not get their feet caught.

Thank you axolotl members

 

[Kal El]

Hello Kiowa,

I use to have 1-5cm pebbles and most of them were not suitable for the axolotls..

If your axolotl did ingest a pebble between 1-5cm, it will not be able to pass it. In fact, it will most likely result in death. The best you could hope for is that your axolotl will be able to regurgitate the pebble.

Among the list of symptoms, another one you might see is the failure to swim to the surface of water; that is, the axolotl will be flailing.

Jay.

 

[Kiowa]

Hello

Fortunately my axolots are not showing any symptoms, I am really concerned about the 1-5cm pebbles and I have finally found a shop with much safer and larger rocks/pebbles or childerns' play sand as Jacq thoughtfully adviced me.

Thank you