What is in Melafix???

[suzanne]

Hi everyone!

Exams are finally over for the year..YAYYYYY!!!!

Anyhow, I recently got some stress coat and melafix came free with it. I am just wondering if anyone here uses melafix and what is actually in it as it doesn't say on the label or the packaging it came in???
Is it safe for axolotls?

 

[edward]

Melafix is Tea Tree Oil which can consist of steam distillates of up to three different species of Melaleuca tree. The amount and quality of the ingredients can vary based on a variety of factors including season, temperature and age of tree at harvest.
There have been a number of different medical issues in other vertebrates due to exposure to the essential oils of tea tree extracts including liver toxicity, skin irritation and sensitization allergies in humans. It is readily absorbed through the skin and can then pass directly into the bloodstream.

If search the archives, there were a couple of good links to toxicity of tea tree oils.

Ed

 

[sharn]

as far as i know it irritates the wound into healing... i use salt baths instead for my axies but it works wonders for oscars!

 

[suzanne]

Thanks Ed & Sharn,

I had vague recollections of people saying Melafix is not good for Axolotls but wanted confirmation.

lol...well i dont think I'll rush out and get oscars so I can use it..I don't have the room!

I'll donate it to someone who can use it.

Thanks again

 

[andrew]

Melafix is on the list of safe medications for axies at http://www.axolotl.org/health.htm

I believe it is Pimafix that causes the skin irritation and liver damage? i could be wrong.

I would still keep the melafix, just incase your axie get a bacteria infection or something a salt bath cant fix.

 

[michael]

You are correct. It is listed as safe. I know the manufacturer claims it is safe for all amphibians. Is this faq written from manufacturers recommendations or from practical experience? My experience indicates it might not be safe. I used it once on axolotls with poor results.

 

[john]

I have been told that the stresscoat messes with the newts skin, and is recomended not to use it..

No clue on the melafix

~John

 

[sharn]

is that the one with aloe vera in it? because that ones fine to use apparently and people use it quite alot on stressed axies so ive read

 

[cynthia]

Stress coat might mess with newts skin,I have no idea. But the axolotl colony advised a forum member to use it on their axolotl that had jumped out of the tank.

 

[edward]

One of the problems with dechlorinators that contain aloe additives when used as a regular treatment, the aloe acts as another source of ammonia/nitrite/nitrate.

I believe that Amphibian Medicine and Captive Husbandry (Krieger Press) also recommends the use of items like stress coat for amphibians that have suffered some skin damage however I have not had any luck when using it for this purpose as the amphibians typically still died (probably due to disruptuons in oxygen exchange and osmotic balance).

Ed