Illness/Sickness: Pale splotches on Taricha Torosa skin

[redwoodtree]

My newt suddenly has white-ish splotches over his skin. It came out of nowhere, and I suspect it might be a fungal infection? I know the picture is hard to tell, but my immediate thought when I first saw it was fungus. He is eating fine, and does not appear to be sick otherwise.

If the cause of illness is unknown, which treatment should I take? I have already completely changed the water in the tank (originally low water quality).

 

[jewett]

It is hard to tell from the picture, but are the white patches also fuzzy? If not it may not be a fungal infection but rather chemical burns from poor water quality. However, the presence of fuzz would be indicative of fungus and I would begin with the salt baths. If you are not very familiar with giving salt baths this may be helpful: http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...axolotl/72698-salt-bath-picture-tutorial.html

If you do not notice the fuzz than you may simply want to do nothing, OR if you feel the patches are spreading you can try cold treatments by placing the newt in the fridge in a plastic container with damp paper towels until you notice the skin issue seems resolved. If you go with the fridging be sure to provide a hiding spot (this can be a crumpled damp paper towel) and cover the container with a thick cloth so the light from opening and closing the door is subdued to lessen any stress on the newt.

Best of luck! Its a good sign the little guy is still eating so hopefully this glitch in health is short lived and easily resolved. Keep us updated!

HJ

 

[redwoodtree]

Thank you for the help! I am just wondering if salt baths would harm him if it turned out he didn't have fungus.