Please Help :(

[Kiwi Girl]

Hi when we returned from holiday I noticed my golden axolotol had some redening to his back leg & his front leg was twisted in an odd way. He seemed fine despite these 2 observations from myself the last 2 days however he has been sitting on the top of the tank & this morning when I went to check on him he has both limbs missing on his right side does anyone know whats going on? I have added some photos hope these may help.

 

[rachel1]

We need more information. Is there anything in the tank with him that could be biting him? ehat are your tank parameters? Temperature? Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate? I would remove him immediately to a tank of clean cool water and then try to figure out what the problem is.

 

[Kiwi Girl]

Hi yes I so have another axolotol in with him its a female they were raised together & in the time I have had them they have always got on well. I have been searching all day for my testing kit to test water will post as soon as I know. I have never owned axolotols so am really unsure to what I am doing hense I appreciate any advice & support I can get thank you

 

[Neotenic_Jaymes]

Your axolotl is very much injuried and exposed. Do not take it out of the water and put it on surfaces that could irritate the salamander. It's like if your arm was ripped off would you set it on a dirty surface?

I think I know what happend. You were feeding your axolotls frequently and maybe even had a schedule. Then you went on holiday for a few days and no one was there to feed them. They got hungry and turned on each other. It happens and it's happened to me.

You should separate the injured one and definitely keep it cool and try to feed it. If it refuses don't worry. It may need a while before actually wanting to eat. Fridging may be a good option at this point.

 

[Kiwi Girl]

Thanks for your reply if you read my above comment yes we did go away and yes there schedule was abit out of sink however there was someone feeding themwhile we were away & both his limbs were in tact when we returned & have only disappeared over the last 2 days so are you saying she could of maulled him prior hense the disclouration on his leg & his other limb being twisted & tghey have only just fallen off now?y

 

[rachel1]

In my experience, axolotls tend to pick on weaker or injured animals. So it's possible the other one damaged it a little bit, then bit off the damaged legs at a later point. I would keep the injured one in a separate tub with 100% water changes daily or a second cycled tank (no ammonia or nitrite and low nitrate) until it heals. Mine have healed up great at temps in the low to mid 60'sF (15 to 18C). You want to keep all their tanks under 20C all the time, as exposure to temps higher than that will stress the animals and weaken their immune system.
Once your male is fully healed, you may be able to put him back with his friend without any issues, but I would keep a close eye on them the first couple days.