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This is my dilemma: One of my beloved Goldfish is suffering from blocked sight because the soft skin that covers the top and sides, is now over the eyes. His cheeks were bulky but now its more than ankward, how the eyes are blocked by the fish skin itself?

Im thinking of doing some surgery, but of course, even though Im sure it could be safe, im not sure if its advisable or if i'll be inducting suffering to my fish. Certainly, I DONT like the idea of having him blocked the sight when the fish eyes are completly normal.

The only thing that might stop me its the anesthesia... If qualified vets are not used to fishes, then its not probable that could be safe to apply anesthetic without risking the fishes life.

Whats your opinion on this?

Is the fish suffering right now?
Cause if not it might adapt to its problem. You may only cause it more stress if you try and do something yourself. (If not death)
If you are still uncertained. Put it in a bowl an take it to a vet or your LFS. Thay can advise you better as we can not see what you are seeing.

Hi Sharpix - you are talking about the wen covering the eyes? If so, surgery sometimes needs to be done. A fantastic book called, Fancy Goldfish, discusses this occassional need. I can't recall if it goes into details.

First you must learn how to properly anesthesize the fish for the process.

Would you be able to purchase this book which chronicles proper anesthesia? They use clove oil if it is available to you. I know we can buy it in health food stores here in the US. It is a relatively safe anesthetic if done correctly.

Here is the book:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0834804484/qid=1107620607/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/002-7015727-3377650

They have pictures of it and show protocol. What to look for in sedation and in going to far (death).

The book shows a picture of a ranchu after surgery to remove some of the wen around the eye.

If you cannot get the book, I can try to copy the relevant pages out of my book and send them to you in the mail, ifyou want to PM me your address. But do try to get the book as it covers so much detail about sickness and health care - stuff that may come in handy during recovery. Its the greatest book on goldfish care, I've seen.

Here are some links on surgeries done by Dr. Erik Johnson:

http://www.koivet.com/html/articles/articles_cat.php?category=10&name=Surgery&intro=Surgery

I would also suggest going to a forum that specializes in goldfish, like Goldfish Paradise, to see if anyone has performed this surgery. You'll have more luck finding someone if the forum is dedicated to goldies.

Goldfish Paradise

Diane


EDIT: Aha - I knew it was out there. Here is some stuff you will need to know, from that link above. I've highlighted this one.

http://www.koivet.com/html/articles/articles_details.php?article_id=9&category=10&name=Surgery

Last edited by Cory_Di at 05-Feb-2005 10:30

Aha - I found the book and looked it back up. Sure enough it details the procedure. In the case they profile in the book, only the wen around the eye was removed, just enough for it to be able to see. It tells you to use the oil of cloves for anesthetic and the book details how to do this. It also mentions the need for either a #10 scalpel or iris tenotonomy scissors . It is risky because it is hard to see how far down the blade is going hence, the preference towards the special scissors. They tell you what to do if the goldfish should stir, how long it should be out of the water at any given moment, etc.

I'm thinking if you can't get the book in Mexico, I could probably purchase it for you and mail it, if you can pay through something like PayPal. I don't think my mailed instructions would be as good as the book because it is a goldmine for the money on many aspects of treatment and goldfish care.

You may be interested to know that Doc Johnson acknowledges that this is a common condition with fish that have large wens. He also acknowledges that the fish are quite capable of living blind as they use scent to find food and that the procedure is by no means a necessity. Its a matter of balancing risk with desire to provide sight. The goldfish probably doesn't care

Last edited by Cory_Di at 03-Mar-2005 18:06

..... Soooo much thanks Diane! Thank you, thank you, thank you! ^^^^^^^^that talks wonders about you, thanks for your time.

Well, clove oil might be at hand but the only concern i have is the goldfish starting to shake when the surgery takes place... Perhaps with the oil the fish would get fuzzy and calm and then i could do that.

I have done superficial surgery to bettas, and things like removing anchor worms. I will do that, but i need to be SURE how much anesthesia the fish needs.

Any opinions on this?