Axolotl jumped out of tank

[RJF9020]

Super upset with myself, I brought freckles on vacation with me as I had no one to care for her and she would go over a week without eating. Had her tubbed all week, 100% daily water changes, 65 degree declorinated water. She was agitated obviously being confined and out of her beautiful tank, but was eating fine and thriving.

Well I forgot to put the lid on her tub over night and something must’ve spooked her, I found her on the floor this morning. I immediately got her back in the water and started a 15min cold black tea bath. Currently in 55 degree clean water tucked away in the dark. She’s occasionally moving but mostly floating sideways. I’m so upset with myself for forgetting the lid. Is there anything else I can do for her??

She’s shedding her slime coat, gills seem intact but she’s not fanning them out like normal. Not much movement but I’m also trying to leave her alone and let her rest, she was definitely dried out on the floor.

 

[RJF9020]

Update.
Freckles has been in the tea bath and the cold water, her right side is perfectly fine, but she does not appear to be able to move her left side. Her Slime coat completely peeled off and you can see signs of injury to her tail. I’m going to keep her in the cold (55degree) water and maybe another tea bath tomorrow.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

You seem to be doing all you can as of the moment. In the future, if you're going to be gone for only a week, you may consider feasting her prior to your trip, making sure she has a good poo, and then leaving her on her own. They have slow metabolisms so can go up to three weeks without eating.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Any update on how she's doing now?

 

[wolfen]

the slime coat will have shed because of drying out, I assume at the moment that she is tubbed at the moment so it will be easier to keep her cool although if she is at the surface avoid fans as this could cause additional damage to her skin, although tea baths will help you can also boil almond leaves to make a tea that isn't as irritating. if she starts to loose the ability to stay upright lower the water level in the tub.
in future reference it is always better to withhold food for a week whilst on holiday than risking accidents. if the filter/tank has been cycled properly than it is easy enough to put in some live shrimp or fish for her to hunt.

 

[RJF9020]

Thank you. Freckles is doing ok, not the best favoring it’s right side over left, but gills on left side are still functioning. Taking more air gulps then normally would though. I will try the almond bath. And yes still tubbed and water chilled to 55 degrees. Definitely a hard lesson to learn and it’s sad it had to be at freckles expense. But fingers crossed for more progress.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

I've seen stories where axolotls have managed to jump out of tanks that had lids on them but there was a narrow gap. Sometimes, they just jump randomly. Hopefully, Freckles will make a full recovery.

 

[RJF9020]

I’m curious if the water conditioner I was using could’ve caused her discomfort and caused her to want out? It has aloe Vera in it. Would that cover her gills and make it harder to breath, especially in the concentration it would be in a small tub? I’ve thrown it out since and bough seachem prime.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Yes. Aloe vera tends to expand slime coat growth which makes it more difficult for your amphibian to breathe. Not recommended to use with amphibians. Smart move switching to Seachem Prime. If you were using the Aquasafe, there is a TerraFauna Aquasafe that is designed for reptiles and amphibians.

I wonder if maybe that's why Freckles go a little irritated in the tub. How's she doing right now?

 

[RJF9020]

Freckles ended up not making it. Gill deterioration, got exponentially worse over the course of the night. Very sad, didn’t think I’d be so attached.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Im sorry to hear that about Freckles. I'm sure she was happy under your care though.

 

[looie_808]

Freckles ended up not making it. Gill deterioration, got exponentially worse over the course of the night. Very sad, didn’t think I’d be so attached.

We have lost 4 of ours from a nasty bacterial infection. I feel your pain. Its crazy how attached you get to a silly little salamander. </3