Illness/Sickness: What's going on

[brockey]

My axolotls are seriously not well. Their skin is peeling off leaving raw looking skin underneath.
Quick history. I have had them 2 golden 2 wild for about 2 year they have bred 3 times but in space of just over a week they have become ill. I kept them with a plec for the last 5 months and all was fine.But water temp was at 24. Also had a fish that nipped them so was removed.At first thought it was just a nip from the fish on one golden axie but now all have it. Just gave tank 40% water change and salt bathed all axolotls. Getting water temp down slowly now heater is off.Any advice gratefully received

 

[Kaysie]

I really suggest seeing a vet. I think this is beyond 'salt bath and water change'.

 

[AGreenDarkness]

Poor things! I am new to this but I haven't seen anything like it before, I agree with Kaysie, I would see a veterinarian asap, or at least call one for advice.

 

[ianclick]

Hi Brockey,

First and foremost I am no vet and no expert in this field.

That having been said it looks to be like some form of bacterial or streptococcus infection in which case it can be treated by a course of the appropriate antibiotic. I am talking about serious antibiotics like penicillin, vancomycin, clyndamycin. These are available by prescription not the kind that are available from a pet store.

I don't want to sound like the harbinger of doom but you need to get them to a vet asap. A vet will be able to determine the nature of the infection and the right antibiotic treatment, bearing in mind that because of the widespread overuse of antibiotics many bacterial strains have become resistant.

You must do this quickly in case it has a necrotic component.

I would not use salt baths.

Good Luck

 

[brockey]

Thanks i am trying to find a vet who has some idea what an axolotl is. Will keep you posted

 

[blueberlin]

Just look for a vet who knows amphibians. That will broaden your search.

-Eva

 

[ianclick]

Hi Brockey,

try this www.vetspecialists.co.uk

Good Luck

 

[brockey]

Hi took a while good news is the wilds survived but golden two died. Local vet happened to know another vet who specializes in exotic pets so after a long phone call and emailing I was told to give them antibiotics orally. That's no mean feat i can tell you, and to bath them in malachite green as it turned out they had a bacterial infection which then got a fungal infection on top .
The mix for malachite green was 0.1 ml to a litre. I add this as I saw on one page it was lethal to them. I asked the vet and he said he has always used it and to no ill affect.
Thanks for all the advice and support everyone