Sad way to say hello

[Anne]

Hi. I have just found this wonderful site after a desperate search.
I brought my Axe home from school (been a classroom pet for 4 years) and despite my best efforts the cat managed to attack him.
I found him on the floor in a pool of blood. I thought he was dead but he lifted up his head - must have been there up to 1/2 an hour or more.
He has several puncher wounds and deep scratches - nothing actually missing.
I have been researching and it seems putting him in the fridge is what I should do - I live in Brisbane and it has been really hot the last few days, so I think he is at risk of infection from the warm water.
Can any pls tell me if I am doing the right thing.
How cool should the fridge be.
How long do I leave him?
HELP
I feel so terrible. The kids I am teaching now are 11 and I got Axe when they were 7 and in year 2. I taught about 10 of the kids in year two and I now have them again in year 6 so I know they will be very upset if something happens to their beloved Axe!
I hope to make some great new friends and save my class pet along the way.

 

[sdhuz36]

Hi Anne

Hi there Anne, thanks for replying to myfirst post. I am so sorry about your lovely pet! Let me know how things go. Hopefully the little fella will make it through, if so, put some floating plants in your aquarium to keep him safe from the cat. Hoping all goes well.

Best Wishes, Sharon

 

[cg]

Anne, you might wanna post under the axie thread or the help thread, you might have more views, and better help than in the introductions area. hope you have good luck with your axie, sorry I won`t be of much help on this issue.

 

[Kaysie]

Keeping him in the fridge is probably the best move right now. He will be safe from the cat, and it will allow him to heal in a less stressful environment. A good temperature is between 5-10C. Warmer than that is fine as well, but cooler should be avoided.

Don't underestimate the importance of lids when small carnivores are present. My amphibian room is closed at all times, and the cat is NOT allowed in there when I'm not. Even if I'm in there, she pulls stunts like sitting inside the tiger sal tank.

 

[ianclick]

Hi Anne,

Fridging sounds weird but it is a great way to help your axie de-stress. The cold slows the metabolism and will help with all sorts of stress related issues.

One of the amazing things about axolotls is their regenerative powers they are able to survive some amazing situations. Lids are essential with cats. Your axie can stay in the fridge indefinitely you will need some dechlorinated water to do water changes and keep a close eye for any infections that may require treatment.

Best of luck

 

[Anne]

Thanks

Thanks for your comments.
Axe is not looking good at all. He is bleeding I think from the gills, and has a dark patch under his neck which I think is also bleeding under the skin.
How slowly can they breath when in the cool? He doesn't seem to be breathing but his eyes seem to move so I think he is still alive.....

 

[kclinton]

Axie can be vary still when in the fridge. Every thing slows downs. I'am sorry you are going through this I hope he feels better soon. There is no nice way to say this I'am sorry you will no if he passes.

 

[kapo]

Axies metabolism slow down which will allow them to calm down and give it a chance to heal. The water is also colder and has more oxygen in it so you may not see much flicking of gills in these temperatures. We've kept our various axies in the fridge for anywhere up to 4.5 weeks when they've been ill. As long as you keep up the full daily waterchanges (I assume you have a bottle of dechlorinated water in the fridge for this), and keep an eye on him, cover his container with a lid and wrap with the teatowel (lid to avoid him jumping out suddenly/taking fright and teatowel to stop light flashing/temperature fluctuations from normal fridge door usage).