Ethical Dilemma - Euthanasia

[ElectricMayhem]

I have a sick little cory.

The story is I had an outbreak of columnaris, so after about 8 deaths [yes I medicated, isolated etc] I stripped the tank, have the filter running in a bucket in the bathroom and I'm feeding it ammonia to keep the bacteria alive. I've cleared the gravel out and switched to sand. The tank has been emptied and cleaned and air dried and rinsed and refilled. When I stripped the tank I moved the remaining fish [BN plec, one female betta and 4 cories] to temporary hospital tanks. Three of the cories passed away. The one remaining cory is in a really bad way. He's just floating at the top on his side. A couple of times over the last couple of days I thought he had died, went to net him out and he sprang back to life and rushed to hide behind the heater.

He's been like this for days. Surely this is no life for him? Is now the time to euthanase? I can't tell if he's in pain, but it sure looks like he's suffering. What do you guys think?

ETA - he has a heater and an air stone and I'm doing water changes everyday.

 

[annka5]

Oh, grim, there's a horrible decision to make. Are you still treating with anything? I'd guess from the sounds of it the damage is done already, and it's just a question of time.
I'd be inclined to euthanise as soon as youre sure he's not going to get better - I agree that he must be suffering now.

 

[vancouver]

If you don't think there is a chance it will heal, then do the deed.