Help! Darth Is Ill :(

[WILDER]

Is the fungus growing in the anus.
Try some peas if the fish is still eating.

 

[tibby25731]

I think it is, yes. I can't get him to take pea today, but will keep trying

 

[WILDER]

Does he's anus look enlarged or red and inflamed, as when a fish bloated the anus can enlarge and look inflamed.

 

[tibby25731]

Nope, not at all
I just gave him another salt bath this morning

 

[tibby25731]

Ok, I got Darth to eat pea last night, but still no poo, and the fluff is still there. It really does look like poo gone all fungusy So I have decided it is now time for drastic action - I am going to use a tiny bit of clove oil to put him to sleep, then will try to remove the fluff and any blockage using tweezers. The thought scares the hell outta me but if I don't do this I am sure he will die as he just cannot poo right now and his little belly is so swollen.
So, how many drops of clove oil is best? Anyone had to do this before? Also, of I have to touch his body, will it cause problems with his slime coat? I was going to pick him up using a sandwich bag once he is asleep and can always pop another bag over my hand if I do need to touch him. And how long should he be asleep for before I take him out of the clove oil, and then how long do you think I have to 'operate'?
Anyone got any experience of this? HELP!

 

[Netty]

We actually did the same thing but without clove oil. We had a female that had dropsy and had fungus growing out of her gills. After trying the usual meds unsuccessfully she looked like she wasn't going to make the night so we decided to try to remove the fungus.

We quickly put her on some damp kitchen towel and then while I held her Bronze used a cotton bud to gently tease out the fungus. The next day she was perkier than ever and could finally use her gill properly again. We continued with meds but unfortunately the dropsy got her in the end.

I would definately give it a go....you've got nothing to lose at this stage and you never know, it might just do the trick.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

 

[tibby25731]

I've done it. Darth closed his eyes and went to sleep, as soon as he stopped waking again I got him out and used sterilised tweezers and pulled the fungus off. He was in the clove oil for a few mins before he calmed and closed his eyes, and he was out the water for no more than a minute and a half I think. He is back in the tank but sleeping... i hope.Going back to check in a few mins, it is killing mke to sit there waiting, I hope this works

 

[MaddieJ]

My thoughts are with you hun, fingers crossed xx

 

[tibby25731]

Oh hell, i hope I didn't overdo the clove oil. i went up to his tank and got all excited when I saw he wasn't where I had left him... he has swum up to a flat rock and is lay on it as if he were dead, but his gills are still moving.... please please please let him wake up. I have tried so hard to fix him and I feel bad already that I may have killed him but I am sure that without removing his fungus he would have died. doesn't stop me feeling awful though. Is there still a chance he may wake? If he is still breathing, maybe it will just take a while? i have never put a fish to sleep using clove oil, only euthanized them.

He swam again! Drunkenly, but still - he went for abreath! he is now sat on the gravel of the tank like he was before his little 'op'. Maybe there is a chance after all.... bloody hell i have just been crying so much, poor little Darth

 

[Sarette]

Oh honey, I've got everything crossed for him xx

 

[tibby25731]

Thanks. he seems to be recovering now, he is just resting and going up for the occasional breath of air. At least i didn't kill him with the clove oil. it was so scary Now I just have to hope removing the fungus will allow him to poo....

 

[tibby25731]

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOo... do I give him another epsom salt bath tonight, or will that be too stressful for him after being anaethetised? I have a pea on a toothpick sticking into the tank, he has had one tiny bite but gone back to rest now

 

[wilsonnw8]

Thinking of you he's definitely a little fighter and you should be proud your doing all you can to help him. You set a good example to other keepers.

 

[tibby25731]

thank you I just hope he starts to get better now, it is a race against time as I leave the country on Sunday... brother in law is coming every other day to feed the fish but no use leaving him instructions on how to deal with a sick fish.. have just said, if he dies scoop him out the water Why can't I have a family of fishkeepers? lol

 

[Netty]

Holiday!!!!! What's one of them

Seriously though......I hope you managed to sort him out before you go. I wonder if there is anyone on here that lives near you!!