Sick Axie - no eat, hardly moving -

[Daniele]

Hi,
I've just come back from holidays and I've found my sister's axolotl (female) really sick.
I've been told she hasn't eaten anything in weeks. She looks very thin and weak. It seems that she can't move her rear "legs" (don't know the right term) and her tail is slightly darker than the rest of the body (she has a pale, almost white skin). She walks around a little using the frontal "legs" and tries to jump or swim sometimes... but she always ends up on her side, motionless. She's not moving that much, and we are often unsure if she's still alive.
I've read some of the threads here and have thought that I might try putting her in the fridge, but haven't found any clue about the problem with the legs. Can it be a symptom of some other problem?
Do you think putting her in the fridge might help? I don't want to make things worst. Do you think we can "force" her into eating someting? I've read that when living at low temperatures they tend to stop eating, but I want her to start eating again... she looks so weak.
I don't see any fungus on her (I can post a picture) but do you think a salt bath can be a good idea anyway?

I hope to receive an answer soon.
Thanks.

Daniele

p.s: I've phoned a big professor (supposed to be The Expert in Italy) and his answer was: "freeze her to death so she won't suffer any longer".

 

[digger]

hi
it sounds like she might have a viral infection of some kind,
putting her in the fridge wont do her anyore harm just make sure the temp is between 5-10 degrees,
cover the container with some thing dark to stop light and temperature changes,thie will help her destress.
if i was you i would then try to contact a vet,if there are no vets around who know about axies try contacting a zoo as they normally employ vets with a wide knowledge of all animals including amphibians and might be able to point you in there direction.
good luck

ps.dont forget to put a bottle of dechlorinated water in the fridge with her for water changes.

 

[Daniele]

Thanks for your answer.
I hadn't thought about a viral infection. I will wait for some other comment and then put Axie in the fridge.
The problem is that it won't be easy to find a vet with some kind of knowledge about this. I will look for help somewhere, probably the guy from the petshop, but I still hope to receive some help here... people in the forum seem to know much more than "experts" here (in Italy).
Thank you again

Daniele

 

[Jennewt]

I think refrigerating the animal is a good idea. Force-feeding is possible, but difficult. Beyond that, it's impossible to say what might help, as there could be many possible causes.

By the way, your "expert" should know... freezing is NOT an acceptable method of euthanasia. The ice crystallizes slowly in the animal, and may cause pain. Axolotls are still awake at that temperature. See:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/euthanasia.shtml

 

[digger]

hi again
i would still consider contacting a zoo if you can, they dont need to be near you after all ,all you want is the name or number of a vet with experience in amphibians.they should be able to point you in that direction.
the pet shop is an unlikely step as normally all they want to do is sell you their products,most of which are harmful to axies no matter what they tell you.the only place to get medication for an animal is a vet.
good luck

 

[Daniele]

Hi again,
this morning I've found Axie lying on her side, still alive but barely moving. Her skin looks pale, her limbs are almost white while the gills are dark red.
Seeing no improvement in her tank I've decided to put her in the fridge. My only problem now is to find the correct water. I have some "osmotic water"... is it ok? I've read I need dechlorinated water but am not sure where to find it. I have also mineral water (the one we drink) but it has a little Cl- in it. Any suggestion?
I'll wait for your answer.

Daniele

 

[digger]

hi you can get a dechlorinator from aquatic shops just follow the instructions on the bottle, if not you need to stand your tap water for approx 24 hours.
mineral water should be ok as an immediate fix.
dont forget to put a spare bottle in the fridge as you will need it for water changes.
sorry ive never heard of the water your talking about. lol
im sure others have and might be able to help more.

good luck

 

[Daniele]

I think she's gone.

We put her in the fridge this morning and I checked her right now. She's not moving at all.
The fridge is at 7-8 C, it should be safe but I'm afraid it probably killed her: maybe she was too weak to stand low temperatures. My mother says she fed her before putting in the fridge, and she was still alive.
I thought the fridge might work and help her survive a few days while waiting for a vet. I was wrong... or maybe she would have died anyway.
Thanks for your help.
I've struggled to help her survive in the last two days, and this has been the best source of information I have found. I don't think my sister will get another axolotl, but in case I'll tell her to look here for info and help.

Daniele

 

[digger]

so sorry to hear that but the fridging wouldnt of killed her as this just helps slow metabolism giving chance for recovery.
where they originate from the water is very cold.
i would suggest if you do get another one that you make sure everything is set up first.
this will save alot of panic and heartbreak if things go wrong.
all the best and hope all goes well in the future.

frances