Sick axolotl with liver failure: Can salt baths ease fluid buildup?

Treating him yourself would not be recommended as you may cause injury. If the rock was small, he may eventually pass it. Maintain pristine water quality and proper temp. Monitor his appetite and stool output. If there is a veterinarian nearby with experience treating axolotls, then an exam would be strongly recommended in case surgery is required to remove the rock. Fridging Nox may also be recommended. You can read more about the process at the link below. https://www.caudata.org/axolotl-sanctuary/Fridging.shtml

Check water chemistry and temperature first. Axolotls are very sensitive to changes in either. If ammonia or nitrites are elevated, perform partial water changes using conditioned water that is temperature matched. They do best between 60 F and 64 F. Water temp above 75 F is stressful. Fast her for a few days to see if she passes a large amount of stool. If she does, resume feeding her as scheduled. If she doesn't improve, consider "fridging" her to reduce stress and allow for recovery. You can read about the fridging routine at the link below. https://www.caudata.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85263

Check the water quality and temperature. Perform partial water changes every few days to maintain pristine water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Clean water is the foundation for healing and recovery. If there is no change, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating axolotls. They can be sensitive to medications, so a doctor's advice after an exam would be safest.

Monitor water chemistry using a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Pristine water quality is the foundation for healing and recovery from infection or injury in fish. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 14 days then reassess the condition. An "all in one" product, such as Lifeguard (by Tetra), can be used concurrently to treat infection or parasites. Find one in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

Thanks for reaching out about your axolotl. Fungal spore are ubiquitous in the environment but a UV sterilizer can help. There are anti-fungal treatments to add to the water or dip treatments that could also help. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Fungal infections are usually secondary problems, so review environmental parameters such as water temperatures, pH, ammonia, nitrates and nitrites. Review diet to ensure well rounded nutrients. If wanted, you can arrange for a private consultation. Good luck.

Physically removing the fungus may cause more stress. Allow the medication to work. Read the package directions carefully and remove the carbon insert from your filter, if necessary, during treatment. Epsom salt can help with fluid retention if that is the cause of the swollen abdomen. Other causes include swim bladder issues, intestinal parasites or constipation. An epsom salt bath would be preferred over treating the entire tank. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of epsom salt in one gallon of tank water. Remove the fish from the main tank and allow it to swim in the salt bath for 15-20 minutes before returning it to the main tank. Do this once daily.

Maintain pristine water quality in the main tank and monitor the fish for similar symptoms. A bit of aquarium salt ( not table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for no more than two weeks then perform partial water changes to decrease salinity. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. I am sorry for the loss of your frog. Your remaining ADF sounds quite ill by your description. Again, maintain pristine water quality in the quarantine tank with a water temp of 78 F. ADFs, and amphibians in general, ate quite sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Elevated ammonia or nitrite levels can kill. Other possibilities for the bloating include improper diet, obstruction or kidney failure. You can try a fast for a couple days along with salt baths. This may relieve the bloating. If it is dropsy, unfortunately by the time a frog is bloated, the survival rate is very low.