Illness/Sickness: Red toes, bloated body, not eating

[ickeygooey]

My wildtype has slowly stopped being interested in food, but I was able to keep him eating the same amount of food with just a little more coaxing, and he had no other symptoms or weird behaviors. Just today the ends of his toes have turned bright red, his throat and belly have swollen a lot, and he immediately swims away from food. His gills are curved forward and he is floating around the tub constantly flicking his gills.
I am currently keeping him in a tub at exactly 60 F and preforming 100% water changes daily. I have no idea what sort of treatment I should preform because each symptom seems to call for something completely different. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Donna001]

So sorry to hear that your wild type is unwell. I'm sure you've probably seen the information before, but I have attached a link relating to axolotl health:
Axolotls - Health & Diseases

The end of his toes turning red could be a bacterial infection (red leg), which may require antibiotics, so a specialist vet may be required. At home the water changes and perfect environmental conditions will help, but the infection is carried by the blood stream,

Floating can sometimes be constipation, when was the last time he pooped? What does he normally eat? What are his usual habits?
The gill flicking is for oxygen, and it is possible that an air stone in the quarantine container may help, but it is not a major problem.

Unfortunately I do not have a huge amount of experience with sick axolotls as I have only had mine for 2 months. The more experienced keepers would be able to provide better advice. So far I think that you have done the right thing by quarantining him and doing 100% water changes. If you don't get any further information I would be tempted to find a vet that could help, especially with the possible bacterial infection.

Please keep us updated on progress and best of luck with your little one, I hope he makes a full recovery.

 

[AxolotlChris]

Swollen throat could be a bacterial infection.

Can you take some clear pictures of all the symptoms?

You should also start looking for a vet that can deal with Caudates asap so your are prepared

 

[auntiejude]

Forget home treatments, your axie needs to see a vet ASAP for injections of antibiotics.
I don't mean to scare you, but he won't make it otherwise.

 

[AxolotlChris]

Not sure if this of any use, its two years old but many of the business are hopefully still in business:Herp Vets - New York

 

[ickeygooey]

Thank you for the list, I found a vet 20 minutes from me and I'm setting up an appointment ASAP. Does anyone know what the price of this visit / treatment might be? I can't call at this exact second, and I recently had some large unexpected expenses and I'm worried about not being able to pay for this without help.

 

[ickeygooey]

I also forgot to mention that he is just 3 inches long... does that mean anything for recovery? Is he able to get injections at his size? Is he less likely to make it because of his age? I don't want to hold back on any treatments but I want to know what I should be prepared for.

 

[Donna001]

Great to hear that you have a vet 20 minutes away that can help. I can't see any reason why the size of your little one would impact treatment and recovery. The vet should still be able to inject antibiotics if they need to.
I'm also under the impression (from someone in the US) that specialist vets don't come cheap, sometimes up to $120 for the initial consultancy, so you may need to prepare yourself to ask for some help from your family if your finances are a bit tight at the moment.
Sorry the cost isn't good news, but at least you'll be prepared.
Wishing you and your little one all the best for a full and speedy recovery. :happy: