Hole/lump Side Of Cherry Barb

[mrhidley]

Hey, 
 
I've had this issue with my Cherry Barb for a couple of months. It started with her having a small white lump on his side, We went to the local fish shop to ask them what was best and if she needed treatment. They said it was most likely nothing to worry about and as long as the water in the tank is good (I've tested the water quality and all results are good) and no other fish are showing signs of distress, it should heal up, something to do with her slime coat over reacting, i think. We've thought for the past month that there's not much we can do for her and it's too late, as the lump has now become a hole in her side with the lump occupying it. However she moves without distress and seems to eat and act normally, so we've moved her to our quarantine tank for treatment, using melafix. She's now had a week of doses and the lump does seem to have shrunk slightly. Has anyone else experienced a similar symptom? and should i keep treating her now it's been a week? 
 
Sorry the photo is a bit blurry, but she wouldn't stop moving for me. Thanks for any help.
 
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[fluttermoth]

Hi mrhidley, to the forum.
 
i had similar thing with a couple of false neons a couple of years ago. I decided that it was probably bacterial in origin, and it did clear up with a a course of anti internal bacteria medicine. I'm in the UK, so I used Myxazin; I would recommend that, if you can get it.
 
If you're not in the UK, can you tell us (just roughly, we don't want your address!) where you are, so we can recommend another med for you
 
Melafix is good as a preventative (like if a fish has had it's fins nipped, Melafix can help stop fin rot setting in), but you normally need something stronger once you have an actual disease or infection going on.

 

[mrhidley]

Thankyou so much! Yes i'm in the UK so i'll get some myxazin ordered right now! 
 
Thankyou for you're help, my cherry barb will appreciate this very much.

 

[fluttermoth]

You're very welcome; I hope she pulls through; do let us know how she gets on

 

[mrhidley]

I completed the final treatment today, the lump seems to have shrunk, but not disappeared all together. However she does seem to be a lot more active, which is positive. What would you recommend in terms of reintroducing her to the community tank? how long should i leave her in quarantine?  
 
Thanks

 

[fluttermoth]

I'd be tempted to give her another course, if it hasn't cleared up completely. At least it's getting smaller, that's a very positive sign

 

[mrhidley]

OK, I shall try that, thankyou.

 

[mrhidley]

Sad news, 
 
When i got up this morning, I found out she had died in the night. She put up a valiant effort and will be missed. 
 
Thank you for all your help on this subject, as i'm sure it made her final days easier.

 

[fluttermoth]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that Just when you though she was improving as well
 
At least you did your best, no-one can do more than that.

 

[mrhidley]

On the plus side, my young Bosemani's are starting to develop some lovely colours!