Two sick axies

[Littlelotl]

Posting on behalf of my sister.

One of her axies (leuistic) has been very pail (yellow and gills just dont brighten up even when active) she is off her food and is now starting to float / has a mild case of bloat the other two axies that where with her are fine.

My Sister doesn't know it yet (and I am in BIG trouble for this one) but I was cleaning them out and her huge female (her pride and joy and first axie)jumped clean out of the water and on to the floor. She is so powerful with skin so delicate it has been shredded like newspaper whilst she thrashed around:uhoh:. I immediatly placed her in a salt bath (which obviously stung) and have lowered the temperature any suggestion on what else I could do? I think it just supperficial damage.

The water they currently live in quite soft but other than that is fine, would it be a good idea to add a bit of salt for the time being?

 

[blueberlin]

Salt baths are an extreme measure only used for treating fungus. Yes, salt does sting an open wound. You may wish to isolate the axolotl in fresh water and keep an eye on her that no infection develops. Otherwise, she should heal with time.

The other axololt who is off her food and starting to float sounds like she may have swallowed something she cannot digest. There are countless threads dealing with this subject (I am sure you know them, too ) and can be found by searching the forum for, say, "floating". Here is one example:
http://www.caudata.org/forum/showthread.php?t=54839&highlight=floating

This is all the info I can offer at this point; maybe someone else will add more and we will both learn. Good luck to you.

-Eva

 

[gr33neyes]

Just keep an eye on the axolotl that decided to explore outside the tank. If the water conditions are good and the axolotl is in good health generally then there is no need to carry out salt baths unless fungus is present. Some redness and sloughing off of damaged tissue may be seen, but healthy skin growth should soon follow.

 

[Littlelotl]

I did the salt bath as a pre-emptive strike as I have no idea what could be on that floor (its in the garage so its bound to be filthy) I wanted to make sure any 'nasties' where irradicated immediately. I wont do any more unless she shows signs of fungus (gulp.. I would never be forgiven).
I have her in 10% holtfreters whats the max % I could use as her living water (as opposed to a salt bath). She looks ok this morning at least (it happened last night)the tank water temperature is holding at 7c. Thanks for your advice its greatly appreciated.

 

[Kaysie]

Eva, salt baths are used for treating many illnesses, not just fungus. It is acceptable practice to use mild salt solutions to treat many things, as well as help sterilize new wounds. However, salt baths in general aren't great prophylactic medicine.

Littlelotl, you're doing right by keeping it in mild holtfreters and keeping it cool. This should hopefully prevent any infection. Just be sure to change the water frequently.

 

[Littlelotl]

I have her in a tub at the moment that it filled with 18 litres of water how often would you suggest to change this untill she it better?

 

[Kaysie]

I would change about half of it every day or every other day. This will keep ammonia levels down. If you have an ammonia testing kit (NOT the dip-strip type), you can test it and be more accurate with how much/how often it needs to be changed. I wouldn't do 100% changes unless you have to. 100% changes can be stressful.

 

[Littlelotl]

Update - I got home today and the leuistic axolotl that was off colour and yellow was dead my sister knew she was not well before she left so I wont be in trouble for that. Its odd because I have seen axolotls much more bloated than her survive I think she might of had some organ failure or something because her jaw had swelled to a huge size when I got home as had her cloaca is this usual in such a young animal (around a year old). She was fed well (worms) and well cared for!! There are only two causes I can think of 1. lack of hard water but there is an axie that suffers from bloat periodically we add salt and she seems to get better this didnt work for this axie. 2. My sister fed decapitated meal worms to them a few months ago which is around the time suspicions started perhaps she couldn't pass the shell though softer individuals where selected. I feel guilty as they where my meal worms (we dont feed them any more as they are horrid things they can chew right through there container!!)

All other axies are fine. Its a sad loss.

 

[blueberlin]

Oh no! I have nothing constructive to add but I wish to offer my condolences. How sad for you all.

-Eva