FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hi there,
I recently noticed one of my red eye
tetras has developed some type of growth
on his gill plate, and part of the top
of his head.
He is eating normally, pooping normally,
breathing normally and behaving normally.
Any Thoughts?






Come Play Yahtzee With Me!
http://games.atari.com
Http://www.myleague.com/yahtgames

Anyone?


Come Play Yahtzee With Me!
http://games.atari.com
Http://www.myleague.com/yahtgames

Your fish may have one of fourth probable problems.

The first is that the fish has a tumor. It may be benign or it may be malignant. There is no treatment for the tumor but consider euthanisizing the fish if its health deteriorates.

The second choice is lymphocystis, a viral infection. However, cyprinids seem to be resistant to these viruses. In any case, the call is to reduce nitrates with large, frequent water changes.

The third choice is a cyst caused by a parasitic worm. It is difficult to treat a parasite that is encapsulated by muscle tissue. It is much easier to treat skin and digestive parasites by bathing the fish with medication or feeding the fish medicated food.

The last choice is a cyst created by pus from a prior bacterial or parasitic infection. In your fish appears to have a malaise or slows down, you may want to try an antibiotic but...

The problem is that you have a symptom. A symptom will alow you to take a guess at what is wrong. A series of symptoms may lead you to an EDUCATED guess. You need to remove the fish, take a sample of the tissue from the swelling or lance it to determine what is happening.



__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Bob, if I take a sample, what am I going
to do with the sample?

If I lance it, how would I do that, using
what tool, and what would I expect
to find?

Should I treat with a antibiotic/antibacterial
like Maracyn 2? Or should I treat with Pimafix/Melafix?
Or should I treat with A combination of Anti-Parasitic and
Antibiotic?

Heres some more info-
fish was fine for full 2.5 weeks
of quarantine, exhibited no symptoms.
No other fish in tank are affected.
Have recently done 3 water changes in 1.5 weeks
as a removal of metronidazole that was used
to kill off camallanus worms successfully.
This grew rapidly - in about 3 days time.
Fish does not seem irritated, is behaving normally,
does not seem to be bothered by it (no flicking
or other pain/itch related activities)
Eating is normal.
Tanks levels of today are this:
Ammonia - 0
Nitrites -0
Nitrates -5ppm
PH 6.6
GH ~80ppm.


Come Play Yahtzee With Me!
http://games.atari.com
Http://www.myleague.com/yahtgames

Sneaky,

If it grew rapidly, it is likely an infection, not a tumor. I would keep up your tank maintenance and relax. Keep an eye on the fish to see what happens. That is, does it experience any problems or does it not even notice the zit (not sure what you call acne in Canada).

The infection may erupt, much like acne or a boil. If it does, then toss him back in the hospital with a good antibiotic. If it doesn't, learn to live with the problem. If it doesn't bother the fish, it should not bother you.

You can try to lance the protusion by removing the fish from the aquarium, placing it on a surface that will not wipe the slime coat from its body and inserting a clean needle into the bulge to drain the infection then place the fish in a hospital tank with a good antibiotic. I would not do this unless it affects the fish's behavior.



__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Bob,
I did a salt dip on the tetra yesterday,
in case it was an infection in hopes
the salt dip might clean it up a bit.
Today it seems to be smaller and less
puffy.
:-D
I have dosed with Melafix to see if that
will speed healing.
Thanks for your help Bob!


Come Play Yahtzee With Me!
http://games.atari.com
Http://www.myleague.com/yahtgames

I have always found that MelaFix will make your tank smell minty fresh but little else...



__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Actually that strange bob.
I have successfully treated and
cured the following illneses
with Melafix alone-
Dropsy
PopEye
Fungus
Fin Rot
Wounds and Injuries


Come Play Yahtzee With Me!
http://games.atari.com
Http://www.myleague.com/yahtgames

Was it the Melafix or the additional care that you took with maintenance, cleanliness and water changes because of the sick fish? I understand that the product exhibits some anti-viral properties but I objeffects but ect when people routinely will dose with a product "because". You may have treated those diseases with MelaFix and it may have had some ameliorative effects but I don't think that it was the reason that your fish recovered... sorry just mho.



__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Well, with the popeye,
all I did was add 3 doses over
3 days of melafix and didnt even get
to the day 4 water change before
the pop eye subsided.
So I would have to chalk it up to
the Melafix.

In people, tea tree oil works fabulous
at healing cold sores no other treatment
will heal. So I wont be writing it off
yet.

Thanks Bob for your help!
As Always, your comments, ideas,
and knowledge are highly appreciated!


Come Play Yahtzee With Me!
http://games.atari.com
Http://www.myleague.com/yahtgames