Illness/Sickness: Sick little one :-(

[Kerry M]

I came home today to see one of my juvies was attacked on his leg. This is what he looks like, I'm putting him into the fridge. Any suggestions?

The little one is struggling to stay upright, or rather he isn't. And his gills are red and facing forward as you can see.

 

[Kerry M]

I tried feeding him after the attack, not interested. He might be in shock as the injury has exposed bone.

 

[Kerry M]

When I transferred him into a new container I had scrubbed it with salt and bicarbonate and put normal declorinating drops in. About 20 minutes later I noticed he was on his side. I'm not sure whether he'll pull through.

 

[Minniechild]

Firstly, stop freaking out yourself- You've done everything right so far from the sound of it, now we just need to figure out exactly what's happening.
He's definitely freaked out- Can you leave him alone somewhere cool and dark for a few hours? If he's panicked, it may be an idea to let him calm down.
.
Then there is finding out why he's floating- it may just be he's gulped a helluva lot of air when he was freaking out, he may have a tummy upset (Has he been eating properly recently?). I wouldn't try feeding him again for at least a few hours, but then it might be an idea to try some blackworms if you've got them, or earthworms if you don't.
The next move once he stops freaking is to monitor the wound- if there's still blood supply to the limb (as the pics seem to suggest) it should start healing, but fungus is still a risk

And finally, DO NOT resolve yourself to the worst yet. Be prepared, yes, but do what you can to pull him through- From the look of him, he was in excellent health beforehand so his chances are pretty darn high.
Any other suggestions, people?

 

[FX1C]

Oh dear Kerry I can understand why you're worried - poor poppit.

I'd try lowering the water level so that she / he can stand & not be on side. Maybe place a few cool bricks under the container in an esky in a dark spot that way it won't be fridge cold but cool & refreshing.

The injury doesn't look horrendous & my bet is it will heal a treat - your babies have great health going for them which means they should recover faster

Keep us updated
Thinking of you



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[Kerry M]

I have had her in the fridge and have just checked. Her mouth is slightly open and she isn't moving. I might as well let you see what she looks like...

There must have had substantial blood loss as there was not any blood when I got back. The water in the fridge was 9.7 degrees. It doesn't really look good, she is lifeless, not sure if she has died, she certainly hasn't lost her colour.
Today has just been a bad day in axie land. The tank mate that hurt her isn't looking so good itself. Swaying a little bit, periodically floating to the top, darker gills and a weird greenish colour. The others are all OK. Strange. Hopefully when I wake up both or at least one is OK. It is strange when they've all been healthy. I could just be overreacting do I won't worry any more. However the open mouth doesn't look good. Since I've had her in the fridge do you think she would get shocked if I took her out? Not sure if the fridging is a good idea if she is alive. Oh dear, it's been a long day in so many ways

 

[FX1C]

Oh dear Kerry

I'll keep everything crossed that she's ok in the morning. Pulling her out of fridge & placing in esky with ice bricks or ice would be enough to not slow her down too much.

Wish I could be more help.



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[Minniechild]

Just to double check, have you brought any new things into their environment? Changed foods, new plants, new decorations? It seems weird that two have gone downhill so suddenly (in which case the bite may just be an incidental occurence which tipped this little one over the edge...), and suggests a different cause than an argument...

 

[Kerry M]

Mmmm there must be something else. The only major change has been feeding them solely on earthworms of all things. Perhaps mine aren't big enough or perhaps they are contaminated. However that wouldn't explain why the rest are OK. A couple of kids came over and put their fingers in some water but they didn't go near that tub. The floating one has just done a large poo so he/she isn't blocked up in any way. I have noticed that there has been less waste in the tanks lately since they have only had worms. Perhaps their systems are used to a more varied diet. I have put it in an esky but it really does look like an axie corpse. I'll check out the colour in the morning and let you know. The gills are still red so there must be blood flow. Well I think so anyhow. At least all the axies have nice fresh water. When these things happen it really worries me how they'll be when I go away for a month. Time to start seriously thinking about that...

 

[Kerry M]

Just checked the floating one and it is resting and luckily not floating. Now I can go to sleep. What a stressful night this has been

 

[FX1C]

I hope she's ok this morning Kerry



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[peatea]

Hope you were able to get a bit of rest and the little one is feeling a bit better today

 

[Kerry M]

The floating one was fine this morning and the injured one still looks the same. We'll see what's happening after work. The injured one has not lost colour, I'll get some blackworms tomorrow to see what happens.

 

[Kerry M]

The injured one passed so is now in axie heaven (if there is such a place). The other one is super happy so it must have been the injury.

 

[peatea]

Sorry, Kerry - I know how much effort you put into all those little ones care. Glad the other one is feeling back to normal :happy:

 

[Bdyoung]

Sorry to hear about your loss, but I feel like that injury wasn't substantial enough to cause a death. I've had legs turn to complete mush and them grow back and be fine. So I would still double, triple, and quadruple check on the other axolotls.

 

[FX1C]

Oh Kerry
I'm so sorry to hear that.




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[Kerry M]

I'll be double, triple and quadruple checking all day tomorrow. I do agree that it was rather extreme with just a chomped leg. I feel relieved though that the one that didn't look good seems rather happy now.

 

[Minniechild]

*Hugs* I'm certain that the little one is looking on from the Great Lakes, and that the joy he brought into your life will continue for a long time to come <3

 

[FX1C]

People always refer to the
?'Rainbow Bridge' when a
dog passes away...
We can still use it for lotls,
it's just they'll be swimming
under the bridge in a stream
rich with worms n stuff to munch ❤

You know you're a great axie mum -
You've raised some mighty healthy
"Babies" the bright side is at least he passed while with you & not in a new home - it's still sad, but I'm glad he went with you.

Hopefully 2 of your babies here will be going to new homes tomorrow - both worthy homes with stamp of approval



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