Medical Advice Needed

[jive_bunny]

Hi,

I need some medical help if possible. Having had a HUGE Gourami and a Bristlenose Plec live together quite happily for the last 3 years, tonight they have had a little sparing match.

The result is that my Gourami is very injured. Bleeding from the mouth and eye and side of face where it was injured by the Plecs spikes. I have managed to put a divide in the tank to separate the two as they kept fighting and it was evident that they were going to kill each other. I am going to add the Gourami to my 160L tank at work tomorrow. My question is:

What can I do (medical treatment wise) to assist in the Gourami's healing process? I hope I don’t loose him...

All help greatly received,

Regards,

Adam

 

[SarahBravo]

Keep the water as clean as possible - frequent small water changes to not stress him out too much. You could also add some Melafix, which is a mild natural antibacterial. Maybe some live food tomorrow to perk him up a bit?just keep an eye on the wounds, if you see fungus or inflammation and redness you'll need to go to proper medications.

Hope he's okay.

Sarah

 

[platyfreek]

I agree with Sarah- Melafix works for me lots of small water changes hopw he gets better!

 

[Boxcar Muzzdogg]

Adding more stress coat will help them stave off infection. Also salt baths may help the wounds heal quicker.

 

[jive_bunny]

Hi Guys,

Thank you SO much for your advice. I will definitely get some Melafix ASAP - Can I get this from my LFS?

I will change the water shortly - 15% OK?

Now, shall I transfer the Gourami to my tank at work so that he doesn’t try and injure himself anymore as he is currently in a tiny partition and I'm sure this is stressing him out. He keeps trying to follow the traits of Steve McQueen and undertake the Great Escape

Regards,

Adam

 

[jive_bunny]

OK, so I added the required dosage of Melafix to the tank for the Gourami last night and the redness had definately reduced this morning. I then transfered the Gourami to work as with the divide the other fish had started to fight for space. I then added the Melafix to the new tank.

I hope he is going to be ok in the new tank as all he had done for the last 3 hours is sit behind some bogwood and a load of plants. Normally he is very active, very tame (he takes food from my hand). I guess its a he anyway - I have no idea!

Adam

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

The move to a new tank has probably upset him is all. They do sulk for a few days. Add more melafix for a few days. I'm sure he'll come round soon and feel heaps better for it.
Hugs,
P.