Ich ? Or Hith ?

[WILDER]

http/edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FA/FA04100.pdf

 

[WILDER]

As your tank ever had hole in the head, as i think it still going on but a weaker version.
Look under hole in the head.
http/www.fish-disease.net/diseases.htm

Sorry for all the links, its abit alarming with all them bacteria infection going on they seem to be pilling up.
Got to get to the bottom of it.

Sorry about the constipation link.
well with them fish wasting away i would say something still going on and the time frame still fits.
I think these bacteria infections are due to an internal parasite.
http/p103.ezboard.com/fthegoldfishandaqu...opicID=26.topic

 

[Anita]

Hi,

In my opinion 9 out 10 problems that arise with our fish are bacterial, very often these conditions go unnoticed until it's to late and a secondary infection ie.. fungus, fin rot a condition that we notice sets in.

I think your fish could have the early stages of HITH but it doesn't seem too bad, it's debatable whether it can ever be cleared completely or just put into a dormant state. If you can stabilize the HITH the fish could go on for years, without problems but beware if the fish gets stressed or sick this will cause the HITH to erupt and you will notice the pits getting bigger...then sadly cartilage starts to leak out of the holes at this stage I'm afraid it is too late.

I think the main problem here is an intestinal parasite infestation.

This is what I would do...

A mixture of Interpet No:9 anti-Internal bacterial and protozin. At the dosage of full dose of both on day one, half a dose of both on days two and three. On day four full dose on both and you should find this has solved the problem.

Yes the meds can be used together safely, it's a good combination and it works!

If you feed your fish live or frozen food, don't forget to worm them regularly, I use discus plus (good stuff).

For the HITH leave it a couple of weeks an do another course of Octozin, you may be able to close some of the smaller holes. If not I wouldn't worry too much...you fish will be free from stress and in good health so it shouldn't get any worse. I have read a couple of interesting articles that feeding earthworms can completely reverse the effects of HITH.

Garlic is a natural way of keeping your fish free from parasites, I squeeze 2 garlic capsules into my tank once a week, seems to work.


Anita

 

[Anita]

Just found a bit on HITH and earthworms for you...

SYMPTOM-BASED TREATMENT OF COMMON DISCUS DISEASES

Hole-in-the-Head (HITH) is a relatively common problem in Discus fish. The onset is quite slow, with small, pin-size holes appearing most often near the nostrils, on the gill plates or near the eyes. These holes gradually increase in size and number, until large portions of the cranial area are destroyed. The fish ultimately dies of malnutrition and infections. Various theories on its cause exist, and in some cases intestinal infections due to Hexamita (Spironucleus) may be associated. Since however the problem may occur even without any concomitant parasitic infection, it seems that the primary cause is a vitamin and/or mineral deficiency. In general, dry foods are often inadequate to prevent HITH, while when using fresh foods or vitamin supplementation it is possible that it occurs more rarely. Some discus keepers never experience this problem, while others encounter it regularly, even if both provide apparently well balanced diets. Many books recommend a treatment cycle with metronidazole (see explanations at the end of this work). Although this is most certainly beneficial and necessary, in the direct experience of the Author feeding chopped red compost earthworms is at the same time the best treatment and the best prevention of this condition. Quite amazingly, 100% cure rates can be achieved within a few weeks after initiating daily administrations of chopped earthworms, with or without concomitant metronidazole treatment. Afterwards, administrations once or twice weekly are sufficient to completely prevent the disease.

Anita