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I am looking after someones goldfish that is missing half the top of his head, I personally hold out no hope for this little fella, but have told his owner (who is 12) that I will try.
It looks like a bad costia infection, skin hanging off to reveal blood red skin, and it is quite deep.
My problem is, I cant get him to eat his med, antibiotic pellets, he will eat flake fine, but when it comes to the pellets, they are left floating, with all the meds washing off. This fish has also been in with other fish for around 5-6 weeks now, which means the other fish may well be infected. The parents of the boy who's Goldie it is, don't seem to understand the seriousness of what is wrong.
I have told the kid, I will give him till Monday, then if no improvement, I will have to do the deed
But after talking in chat this morning, it was said to me that maybe it should be done sooner, that there is no hope for the fish?
Advice please

Sorry TeeBee, that sounds like one very sick fish. Personally I have no experience with this but I think once the decision is made to euthanase (and it sounds like you have assessed it as necessary) it really should be done as soon as possible.

Good luck.

thanks whetu, I will tell the owner

TeeBee

Sorry to hear that. I think the kindest thing is to send the poor fish very peacefully to the big fish in the Sky/or the deep as it may be for fish back to King Neptune.

A new one would help. But first remove or locate the cause so that it will not happen.

Sorry young fella but putting the fish out of its misery would be the kindest thing to do. What do you think?

Keith

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Thanks for your support people. I think its me who needs the support now, I have just put the fish out of his misery, something I have never had to do be for, and I can tell you, its left me feeling quite shaky. I prey I will never have to do it again.
I have got the kid to start doing water changes to try and flush it out of the tank, and told him to dose the tank with some antibacterial meds. His mum was going to buy him a new fish, but I have told her to hang on and make sure the rest of the fish are OK first. Oooo, I feel so bad but I know it was for the best, any way enough of my ramblings.

How awful, poor fish and you having to deal with it.

[span class="edited"][Edited by kitty163 2004-08-26 11:01][/span]

TeeBee, you did absolutely the right thing. It's tough on you (and the owner) but so much kinder for the fish.

I hope this doesn't put the young guy off keeping fish. It can be such a rewarding experience, even after you've gone through the hard times.

Just be reassured that what you did was humane and necessary. Good on you for having the courage.