Genetic factoids

-Leucism is a condition in which there is partial loss of pigmentation in an animal resulting in white, pale, pinkish or patchy coloration of the skin, hair, feathers, scales or cuticle, but not eyes, lips or legs (respective of species). Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in multiple types of pigment, not just melanin.

- GFP, or green fluorescing protein(a genetically modified, bioluminescent aequorin molecule containing protein from the aequorea victoria jellyfish) axolotls will fluoresce a neon green. This is special gene that some axolotls contain, which was originally introduced through injections but now passes down genetically in most case. It causes a fluorescence under black light and blue LED. This can be added to almost any color, They DO NOT glow in the dark. Black light tends to cause stress in 'Lotls, so don't turn the light on and then leave the room. Use black light(or any major lighting) sparingly.

-Purple, or lavender, Axolotls are a genetically modified breed called NFP/GFP which was created in 2002 at the Weizman Institute in Israel to aid in the study regenerative and immune gene therapies. Building upon GFP, the Blue NFP gene (Nitro Fluorescing Protein) from plankton were successfuly introduced. This recessive genetic combination is only visible in about 20% of offspring and the combination of both NFP and GFP is only visible in approximately 10%. The contrast from these genes is most visible under a black light or blue LED, but the differences in pigmentation can also be quite noticeable under full spectrum daylight as well. Some of them have been reported to give off a bioluminescent glow when startled at night. With shorter legs and wider bodies, these Axolotls are about 2/3 the size of standard breed. This is due to breeding a close cousin into the line called an Anderson’s Axolotl. This compatible species comes from a smaller lake system 100 miles from the lakes which originally held the Axolotl. Another added benefit is that they are from a lower altitude warmer body of water which means that this breed can also live comfortably at 74°F.

Symptoms of Illness and treatments

Gas bubbles in Juveniles- With proper feeding and clean water small bubbles will be expelled. Large bubbles are almost always fatal, especially if the Axie is floating belly up. Do not salt bath or refrigerate until further study has been done to determine cause of gas bubbles.

Injuries from tankmates- Isolate animal.

Limb rot- Usually noticed as the disappearance of a limb without other possible causes. Common in pet store amphibians. Usually associated with recent importation and/or poor overall condition of the animal.

Skin ulcers, sores- Common in wild-caught pet store animals. Usually associated with recent importation and/or poor overall condition of the animal.

Fungal infections- In fully aquatic species, such as axolotls, may appear as fuzzy or stringy white material. Typically treated with methyline blue and Indian Almond Leaves in a separate tub, but severe cases may warrent the use of salt baths and/or refrigeration.

Bacterial and viral infections- Usually impossible to distinguish between bacterial and viral infection without vet diagnoses, but bacterial infections are more common.

Swollen throat- Can be a form of bloat, or oral infection (mouth rot, infectious stomatitis), or could be a large object lodged in the animal's throat.

Cloudy eye(s)- Can be due to injury, fungus, infection, poor diet, exposure to toxins.

Intestinal impaction- Reported in axolotls, tiger salamanders, and other caudates that gulp their food; prevented by avoiding stones or gravel as substrate that are small enough to be swallowed.

Metabolic bone disease (MBD)- Prevalence in caudates unknown; may be the cause of some spinal deformities and some unexplained deaths, particularly in cases where a seemingly healthy axie stops eating. Improve diet, particularly calcium:phosphorous ratio and vitamins A and D.

Parasites- Internal or external; include mites, nematodes, anchor worm, etc.

Prolapse of the cloaca- This is a medical emergency (unlikely to correct itself). The cloaca must be pushed gently back into position, generally requiring the assistance of a vet, but can be administered by knowledgeable owners at home.

Gas bubble disease- Air bubbles under the skin. Can result from supersaturation of the water with gas. This can be prevented by aging tap water before use and/or filtering it well enough to remove chemicals.

Genetic Abnormalities/mutations

Albino- The mutation for albinism was introduced into axolotls from an albino tiger salamander female discovered in Minnesota. Animals homozygous for this recessive gene lack the ability to synthesize melanin. Other pigments are not affected, so an otherwise wild-type axolotl is yellow with reddish eyes and gills. Such an animal is sometimes called a "golden albino". Leucistic-albino, melanoid-albino, and axanthic-albino combinations are also possible as well as varius others.

Anemic- This mutation is a non-lethal gene causing Axies to develop temporary anemia when approximately 100 days old. Most recover and become normal adults. The onset of this anemia seems to be associated with the transition from larval to adult hemoglobin synthesis. Usually the anemia can be treated with thyroxine.

Cardiac Non-function- This mutation is a recessive gene primarily affecting the heart. The heart develops, but fails to contract. They fail to feed and die soon after hatching. Homozygous cardiac individuals can be identified by the swollen chest, poor gill development, a red spot on the flank, and absence of a heartbeat.

Eyeless- Eyeless axies lack eyes (but may not completely lack the optic cup), have enhanced pigmentation, and are sterile. They can lead semi-normal lives, but should be kept singly and may require hand feeding.

Fluid Imbalance- This mutation is characterized by an excess of fluid, first evident in tailbud stages, distending the head and later the torso. It is semilethal. Surviving females produce offspring which develop excess fluid prematurely.

Gill Lethal- This lethal recessive is characterized by abnormal gill development and death within one week of hatching. The gills curve forward, are fragile, and have fewer filaments than those of normal siblings. The mutant embryos are also darker and more yellow.

Hand Lethal- Larvae with this recessive mutation feed and grow until the forelimbs have three or four digits. At this time, the first digit has a thumb-like orientation. Some larvae show a lateral curvature of the body. The larvae die very soon after developing 3-4 digits.

London Lethal- Axies with this recessive gene display a small head, with small and poorly developed eyes, fragile gills with poorly developed

filaments, and undifferentiated limb buds just before hatching stage. They grow slowly and feed only a little after hatching. Fluid accumulation in the head and torso is common. They die a few weeks after hatching.

Microphthalmic- Affected larvae are identified around the time feeding begins. Their eyes are small, and the pigment cells often encroach upon the corneal surface of one or both eyes. They eat little if at all and soon die.

Mosaicism- Mosaicism in axolotls can occur for multiple reasons. Most often it is the result of chromosomal abnormalities arising during mitosis(cellular division) that produces a haploid cell line(containing only one set of chromosomes), or incomplete cell division pruducing polyploid cell lines(containing 3 or more sets of chromosomes). Haploid Mosaics are unlikely to survive for more than a few weeks outside their eggs and many die before hatching. Polyploid Mosaics are actually fairly common in the species, but polyploid axolotls possessing odd numbers of chromosomal pairs are typically sterile. Often, split mosaics (one color on one half of the body following the spine from head to tail and a different color on the other side) seem to curve to one side all the time. This could indicate the animal is a haploid/diploid mosaic. Haploid tissue grows more slowly, causing the axolotl to list slightly toward the haploid side. Sometimes this type of split will even out as they age and the haploid side catches up to the fully developed polyploid side, but not always. Mosaicism does not produce new genes as it is due to replication, or deletion, of existing genes in one of the two sets of chromosomes that form the body. Therefore, no "bad genes" are produced by breeding tow diploid/diploid mosaics. This means that you can breed two mosaics without polluting the gene pool. Do NOT breed sibling mosaics as this will not increase the likelihood of producing more mosaics. Haploid/diploid mosaics will have shorter life spans and increased health problems in comparison to their diploid/diploid counterparts. The same is to be said of polyploid individuals.

Pinhead- A craniofacial development mutation characterized at hatching by reduced distance between the eyes, sometimes resultong in cyclopia. Primarily affected are the olfactory organs, eyes, front of the brain, and mouth. The gene appears to be recessive. Rearing the embryos at lower temperatures increases possibility of occurrance. Typically, larvae exhibiting this condition are unable to eat and die soon after hatching. Mildly affected pinheads may survive longer.

Lethal R

Larvae affected by this mutation become recognizable after they have been eating for a week or more. They have fragile gills with filaments of odd lengths, stop eating, anemic, and soon die.

Short toes- This is a recessive lethal mutation involving the kidneys, the Mullerian ducts and the limbs. Affected  axies can be identified by their short limbs and, the reduced number of phalanges on each limb. Once front limb development is complete this condition becomes apparent. Ascites, (serpintine/coiling swimming patterns) due to the incomplete development of the Mullerian ducts, becomes apparent only in the older juvenile. Homozygotes(carriers) die of renal failure at about one year.

Spastic

Hatchlings with this gene display irregular serpentine swimming and coiling patterns of movement characteristic of the embryonic stage. They fail to develop the straight swimming patterns of normal larvae.

Stasis

Larvae with this recessive gene are identified at hatching by their unusually red or pink livers, mild abdominal fluid, and anemic color. Blood circulation ceases partially or completely, causing most die within a week of hatching. Very few live longer.

Twisted Gills

These larvae fail to feed and die, on average, seventeen days after hatching. Limb development is retarded in addition to deterioration of the gills (responsible for the name), which is apparently caused by starvation.

Vasodilitation- This mutation is a recessive gene characterized by a widening of blood vessels, causing a lowering of blood pressure at the time of hatching. Most larvae die near to hatching. Survivors are smaller than their normal siblings.

Lethal Homozygous- Larvae are recognized by their gills, which are more delicate than normal and tend to curve forward at their tips. The larvae begin feeding but soon become lethargic and die.

Tea bath- This is one of the first treatments employed when an axolotl is ill. Take a plain, black, decaffeinated tea bag and steep it for two minutes in a regular mug with dechlorinated water as if you are going to drink it. Next, chill the water until it is a close temp to what the axolotl is used to. Add the tea directly into the tub with the axolotl and allow it to soak for 15 minutes. Now remove the animal and place in a tub of fresh water. This can be done up to 3 times a day, 3 days in a row.

Methyline blue- Can be used to treat fungus and minor bacterial infections.

Indian Almond leaves- Beneficial for slime coat, helps with recovery from injury, burns, illness, etc. Used to treat fungus (particularly on eggs) and some external parasites, such as ich and costia.

Salt baths- This can be beneficial to treat severe parasite/fungal concerns when done correctly. If done improperly it will cause further stress to the Axie and could result in death.

Refrigeration- Scientifically substantiated as an aid in healing in caudates. Inhibits growth of pathogens without compromising the Axie's immune system. Appropriate temperature and duration depends on the illness but the normal temperature of a refrigerator is acceptable for a short time.

Calcium gluconate- Diluted and applied as 2% solution for emergency medical support to amphibians, it can be applied directly to the skin twice per day. Replenishes calcium and also provides energy in the form of glucose. Available from any vet and other sources including eBay some aquatic pet stores.

Dimilin (diflubenzuron)-Used for treatment of anchor worm and other external parasites.

Amputation- As many caudates are able to regenerate lost legs and tails, amputation can be used to treat injury or limb rot. NOT FOR THE BEGINNER HOBBYIST!

Kanamycin- Broad-spectrum antibiotic used for aquarium fish.

Nitrofurazone (nitrofura, Furacyn)-Broad-spectrum antibiotic used for aquarium fish.

Triple Sulfa-Broad-spectrum antibiotic used with aquarium fish. Fights both bacteria and fungus. Active Ingredients: sulfamethazine, sulfacetamide, and sulfathiazole.

Baytril (enrofloxacin)- Broad-spectrum prescription antibiotic administed by injection or externally. Although commonly given by vets, it is not the treatment of choice for amphibians. It is cytotoxic, nephrotoxic, and less effective than some other antibiotics.

AmikacinCombination of amikacin + pipercillin is a combination of choice, more effective than kanamycin.

TimentinNewer alternative to amikacin.

Flagyl (metronidazole)- Treats anaerobic internal parasites, such as amoebae.

Panacur (fenbendazole)- Treats certain internal parasites, particularly worms.

Formalin (formaldehyde)- For external parasites and other skin problems.

Signs Of Stress

     The most common and notable signs of stress are a curved tail and forward tilted gills. An Axolotl hunting it's prey will tilt its gills forward almost like a cat swiveling its ears. When stressed, the gills stay in a tight candycane position. An axolotl's tail curves from time to time, naturally, but a stressed axolotl tail will be curved so tightly it resembles a hook. Another sign of stress is when your Axolotl ignores food for numerous consecutive meals. A healthy Axie will snap hungrily at anything wiggling near its face nearly all day, even after having eaten.

Nutritional Deficiency

     Like all creatures nutrition is key.  It's always a good idea to vary the food options for your pets. The ideal food for an Axolotl is earthworms, due to their nutritional value(Protein 62.2%, Fat 17.7%, Calcium 1.72%, Phosphorous 0.90%).

Nutritional problems CAN lead to more serious physical implications. Symptoms of malnutrition are usually not noticeable until it is too late. Liver failure, weakened immune system, kidney failure, fluid disorder, ect. can occur due to malnutrition and won't be visible if you aren't paying attention to your pals.

If you do notice a nutritional problem amend their diet immediately.

Parasites

     Parasites in general can be a very tricky case to get rid of, but internal ones even more so than external. Many parasites require meds from a vet or pet store to resolve but some can be removed at home by a thorough cleaning of the tank, fresh water and remiving all waste immediately. If you end up with parasites examine your care tactics.

Are you changing water frequently enough? Is the tank at an appropriate temperature? Do you have other tank mates, such as fish, who may be introducing the parasites? Did you recently introduce a new Axie to the tank or switch foods?

Parasites can come in on anything from imported plants to infected food. Parasites need to be treated differently depending on the species. Some symptoms to watch for include; vomiting, discoloration, loss of appetite, floating, and abnormal behavior.

Fungal Infection

    Fungal infection can infect every thing from eyes to legs and gills. Fungal infections usually look like a cotton fluff or ball and are usually caused by  long periods of high water temperature, poor water quality, or infected tank mates(such as fish) or food.

Bacterial Infection

     Unfortunately there is not much study on bacterial or virus causes. One bacterial infection that we come across is commonly called Red Leg (Aeromonas hydrophila). This type of disease is carried by blood cells so it can very easily be spread across the body and is quite contagious among the species. Symptoms of this particular disease is red patches on the skin that start in one place and spread further throughout the body daily. 

Other Infections that could be caught are Proteus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Mima, and Alcaligenes.  Bacterial diseases are rare for the common hobbyist owned Axolotls unless the water quality is extremely poor or the food was infected. Immediate medical attention should be given when dealing with these issues and the animal(s) must be quarantined and the host tank cleansed.

Please note: Aquarium fish remedies can be toxic to axolotls and it is inadvisable to use them without first consulting an expert. Amphibians absorb chemicals very easily through their skin and it is all too easy to accidentally poison your axolotls with remedies.

For example, Sterazin and Protozin from Aqualife are toxic to axolotls. Anything containing copper or manganese should also be avoided. Two of the most common dye compounds used in aquarium medications are malachite green and methylene blue. Malachite green is EXTREMELY TOXIC to amphibians so avoid anything that contains it.