Illness/Sickness: Swallowed toothpick?!?!

[mary_kate]

Hi,
I'm looking after my mum's axolotls, and tonight while feeding them, I think one has swallowed the toothpick I was using to hold the food.

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? We can't see the toothpick, it's just gone. I'm going to ring the pet shop first thing in the morning, but any words of wisdom now would be much appreciated.

 

[Jacquie]

Oh goodness.

I would hold the axolotl securely using a wet cloth or towel perhaps - something that will prevent her slipping around when she struggles.

Try gently prising the mouth open with perhaps the end of a teaspoon and see if you can see the toothpick and gently draw it out.

It will be easier with two people - one to hold the axie and the other to probe for the toothpick.

I would be more inclined to take the axolotl to a vet rather than a petstore. The vet could do an x-ray to verify if the toothpick is inside and may have a suggestion as to how to get it out without killing the axolotl.

But if the axie has completely swallowed the toothpick I really don't see a way the axie could pass it without incurring internal injury...

I'm afraid that's all I can think to suggest...

Jacq.

 

[philbaker76]

I'm no expert, but would putting the Axie in the fridge slow it down? - and make it easier and less stressful if you do decide have a look yourself?

 

[mary_kate]

Thank you both for the suggestions. Fortunately, we looked in the tank this morning to find a toothpick floating around the top! He must have spat it out! I'm so glad, phew. The pet store person was going to suggest the same thing though, opening his mouth to have a look. We don't have to do that now though, hooray!

We're keeping an eye on him now, just to see he recovers ok. He's not distressed or floating or anything. And, I'm reconsidering my use of toothpicks...

 

[blueberlin]

Hi Mary Kate,

Whew! I am so relieved for you both.

As to feeding, have you considered just using your hand? You only need to wash your hands and forearms really well first, making sure you've rinsed off all the soap before putting your hands into the tank.

If you can use them, you might also consider chopsticks. Many pet shops also carry feeding tweezers.

You could also put the food into a teacup - fill the teacup with water from the tank, then put the food into the teacup and lower it slowly to the tank floor (so the contents don't fly about from the water movement).

Again, I am really glad things worked out.

-Eva

 

[Jacquie]

Oh thank goodness!

I'm so glad he spat it out - I can stop worrying about him now.

I personally hand feed my axies and I also on occasion leave the food for the mighty hunters to sniff out and find themselves. I use sand as substrate, so any leftovers are easy to pick off for removal during spot cleans.

I'm so relieved Mary Kate,

Cheers Jacq.