The water is fine! Any registered user can post or comment on any story here. Click here to register, then tell us all about your own "tank puppies!"
Click the "Add a Story link in the menu on the left to post about your own fish or ask a question, or click the headline on any story to get to the comment form at the bottom. Your advice and experience are more than welcome here!
Comments
R.I.P. Polly
Despite my best efforts and all of your helpful advice, I am sorry to report to you that Polly passed on sometime this evening. She was not herself today. She was not interested in food and has not eaten for the past 4 or 5 days. Her egg tube had receded but still remained slightly protruding and red on the end. The hole in her head was very deep and I believe that whatever it was/a parasite - had burrowed deep into her brain.
My other fish seem healthy. I have the tank medicated with antibiotics. I will run the course to make sure they don't contract the parasite. It just isn't the same without Polly. I may find a home for the others. I won't make any hasty decisions right now.
Thanks again.
Val
Re: R.I.P. Polly
I am so sorry. I really thought she would make it.
(Remember the good times with Polly, and know she had a good life, because of you)
If you are worried about your other fish catching this, Polly's egg tube appeared to be infected, causing an bacterial infection. That should not be contagious.
It appears your BP developed Hole in the Head as a secondary problem from stress. It was already in your BP. I hope you won't have more problems with it. If you have concern, you might have something on hand and catch it before it is serious.
Below is some info about hole in the head disease.
Hexamita and Spironucleus are two other protozoal parasites commonly found in the intestinal tract of some freshwater fish, however systemic infections can occur. Hexamita is also known as "hole in the head disease." It may cause small holes to appear in the body, especially the head region, and often strings of mucus trails from the lesions. Lesions may also develop at the base of the fins and near the lateral line. They have a direct in addition to the skin lesions fish often go off their food and develop a hollow-bellied appearance, and often have stringy, off-color feces. Hexamita often exists in low levels in the intestines of tropical fish, especially cichlids, including discus, angelfish and oscars, and gouramis. They may be considered commensals, however, with stress, overcrowding, low oxygen levels, improper water parameters, changes in temperature or poor diet, the parasites can multiply and the fish may then develop signs of systemic disease. life cycle, and are principally acquired by oral ingestion of trophozoites or cyst stages.
The best way to treat Hexamita infections is with medicated food. However, since infected fish often become anorexic, they usually won't ingest an effective dose. Both Hexamita and Spironucleus are best treated with metronidazole. This medication is available in commercially available fish food flakes. If the infected fish are still eating, they should be treated for 5-10 days, with 10-15 mg/gram of food. If the fish are not eating,
-----------
Jungle Labs Medicated Fish Foods
Anti-Parasite contains metronidazole and praziquantel for internal parasites including flagellates, trematodes, cestodes, hexamita, intestinal worms, and nematodes. Not for use in aquariums with desirable, ornamental invertebrates. 1.5 mm pellets. fosterandsmith.com
----------
The also have a med for in the water specifically for "hole in the head disease."
This is good if they do not eat, or if it is in the water.
I think the fish medicated food would be important, as it lives in the fishes intestines.
-----
These would not be a bad idea to keep on hand. Since all I have seen on this site, I do. Then if you have a problem you are ready.
Good luck
Re: R.I.P. Polly
i am soooo sorry to hear that. we were all really pulling for her. but ur right, dont make any decisions like that right now when ur greiving. u might come to realize that losing ur pets is extreamely painful, but the long time of joy we get when we have them is worth it all. like i said we r all very sad for u, and we were hoping polly would come through, but fish really need a great fish mom like u. just think about it.
polly
so sorry to hear that dispite everynes best effort and advice, wait a while before deciding what to do, i feel that I know you personally after all this, be a shame to lose a caring owner
RE: Polly's white Growth
I am playing catch up and hope I read all the previous info.
Most causes of egg tube inflammation are from egg retention, Infection, lack of spawning circumstances, or too small facilities.
They lead to the same thing, Bacterial Infection.
The white tuft on The BPs head is probably Fungal or whole in the head. I cannot tell from the photo. It looks very round. If it is slimy, It could be hole in the head.
From what I can find, This needs Systematic treatment with a Broad-spectrum antibiotic. I don't know if you can get it to a vet for an injection. Call First, many vets do not treat fish. There are also types you can feed to the fish. Some are already in the food, some you can mix with the food.
Treat surface wounds.
Next you need to put antibiotic directly on the infected egg tube. From what I read, if the infection is showing, (not in, say the ovaries) you have a much better chance. Below are the names of a few types of direct on the fish antibiotic.
You can use Betadine (not the soap), Or mercurochrome.
Bio-Bandage is another -combination of neomycin and a proprietary vitamin-polymer formula for quick healing
Heat, 82 Degrees (Monitor your heater and make sure it is correct and doesn't get to hot.)
You also will need a broad spectrum antibiotic in the water. Plus something for the fungal infection. Maracin Two Is a good broad-spectrum antibiotic. The same company makes a fungal treatment you can use at the same time with it.
I think I read you were going to put salt in the tank.
I think this fish really needs to be in a hospital tank. If you don't know how to set this up, get back to the list, it has to be done just right, or you can do harm to your fish.
The next thing, if you BP does well and starts to become inflamed in the egg tube again, you will need to get on it fast, hopefully you can nip it in the bud. It can happen again in some fish. Or it can be a fluke.
I don't feel comfortable yet about the fungus on the head, make sure it is not hole in the head before you treat for fungus. If it is hole in the head, you will need to change to treat it. You also have to be sure all the products can be used together and not hurt your fish.
You can get the bio bandage and the food antibiotics from DrsfosterSmith.com
However you don't have time to wait. You need to start immediatley.
Good luck
Thank You so much Nostagia I
Thank You so much Nostagia
I will call a vet or two tomorrow, but I don't believe any of them in my area, deal with fish. I will ask about getting the antibiotics that you mentioned. I very much appreciate you taking the time to give me this valuable information. I will also check out DrsfosterSmith.com.
I started working on the cures this morning as soon as the fish store in Gibsons opened up> I sent emails of the pictures and we have been conversing on the phone. I drove there this morning to get all of the different things to put in the tank. I hope it works. I will keep you all posted.
RE: Thank You so much Nostagia I
I rechecked the above info, since it may be hole in the head. I thought it looked like it too. The following is for hole in the head. You will need to know which it is for sure.
If you go online to Fosters and Smiths, Check for Jungle anti-parasite medicated fish food. (I doubt your Fish store has it, If they do get it there).
I got my meds out to see how you could treat both hole in the head and the Bacterial Infection of her egg tube.
Since seeing how many BPs get a number of problems out of the blue, I ordered enough to have on hand for this type emergency. I have had my BP for 4 years without a problem. Obviously, I have been lucky. I got both medicated foods, one antibiotic and one parasitic, Also the bio-bandage. I normally keep some of the Mardel products as they work so well and can be interchanged or used together in many cases. (Check insert for info)
It appears a little trickier to treat hole in the head plus the bacterial infection. I looked at both Jungle medicate food products, both say they can be used with external water treatments, but they don't say they can both be used at the same time.
Since the best treatment for hole in the head is internal, and Metronidazole. You could treat the Hole in the head with food. (if she is eating)
Jungle Anti-Parasite Medicated Fish Food
For Internal Parasites
Aids in control of internal flagellates, trematodes, and cestodes, which includes hexamita (hole-in-the-head), spironucleus, intestinal worms, tapeworms, and nematodes, e.g. camallanus.
Active Ingredients: Metronidazole 1.0%, Praziquantel 0.5%, Levamisole 0.4
--------
You would need to remove charcoal from your filter when using treatments in the tank.
Maracyn Two treats systemic infections, internal as well as external. Effective against gram negative pathogenic organisms.
--------
Then the medication directly on the BP's infected egg tube. You can use Betadine, but I think the Bio-Bandage might be your best for her problem. (Do you know how to put medication directly on your BP?)
Salt in your water will start to help treat the hole in the head. Plus raising the temp.
Your fish store should have Maracyn two, You could order the rest from Fosters overnight. (unless your fish store has them)
I hope you read this before you head out to the store, :)
Good Morning Nostagia, Thank
Good Morning Nostagia,
Thank You for your great information! I will call my fish store friend today and inquire about the hole in the head medication. She looks today, like she wants to eat! Her egg tube has shrunk to a small white protrusion that doesn't look swollen at all!! She is swimming around as sassy as before - she came right to me when I approached the tank this morning:)
The hole in her head has shrunk in diameter and I cannot see any white in the center any more?! I will try to get the medicated food you mentioned. Everyone in the tank seems happy and hungry! I am going to follow the treatment with a 20% water change every day for three days, with re-application of the medication for intestinal parasites as well as the salt and keeping the temperature up to 82.
Seeing her swimming around and pushing the other fish out of her way again makes me feel so happy! I am not out of the woods yet though!
I am in a small town about 100 miles north of Vancouver B.C. The store I am dealing with carries some of the Jungle products. I will call them when they open this morning. Thanks again!
Re: RE: Polly's white Growth
Nostagi, It's about time. I've been wondering when you were going to give us some help with Vallii's fish. I was going to email you today. Glad you're back:-)
Looks like hole in the head Vallii.
Re: Polly' white growth
Is that hole in the head?