paralyzed fish

[courageous_stumbling]

Im a little sap, and I get awful upset to see animals hurt. Im sure you guys understand. Thing is, I was in the petshop today (the one I go to all the time) and there was a poorly fish which to be honest I thought was dead. So I told the guy, but just as he had a look the little darling moved. Even though, he said "oh, another one for the flush". Horror! The guy knows that I'm awful "sensitive" about it, so he he put him in the little fishnet and lay it just on the waterline and the poor little fish was all curled up in the net. Although it stopped the other fish from biting him, it seemed cruel. And I knew once I was out that door - the fish was down the loo. So I took him home and have put him in a tiny little tank I have - about 7" by 3.5". I thought he was just a gonner and would die at peace here with me where he wont get hurt. But on inspection, I think he is paralyzed. He is floating at the bottom of the water on his side in an arch. He seems to be breathing as normal and his front fins move normal too. I hand fed him and he took a little piece of the flake. Ive only had him home for about an hour and Im no specialist, but if thats what is wrong with him - what should I do? I have no quams about buying a little tank for him and maybe putting in a snail for a pal (although he a goldfish) I dont want to make him suffer and nor do I want to kill him (not that I could) if he could live a happy life. Anyone got any idea about this? I once heard about a fish that lived 5 years with only his front flappers to move about, he ate ever day and had quite a character. I hope someone out there has an idea or knows if he can be ok.

 

[noelberg]

first - GOOD FOR YOU!
that was a very admirable thing to do, and something I probably would not have taken the initiative to do

next, I would assume that if the fish doesn't have any serious internal conditions, then he could live a decent life with control of his front fins. don't bet the farm on 5 years, but at least this shows that it can be done

 

[SailfinGirl]

Good on you. Poor little fishy. I don't have anything to suggest, but I hope he does make it. Poor little guy.

 

[courageous_stumbling]

hey folks, good news! My little Bo is no longer in an akward arch and swims belly down. He's not out the woods yet, but thats a mighty improvement!
When my boyfriend James got home, he had a look at little Bo and although he not a fish guy, he knows enough through my obsession (he HAS to love my fish, hehe) he thought that it might be swim bladder. This thought hadnt even occured to me because, Id not seen his tail half move at all and he wasnt upside down. Still, I was in no postition to rule any help out. So I got the medicine from under the tank and had a look at the box, sure enough, swim bladder makes them sink to the bottom! Id already put in some general tonic in his water, so I put in about 2 drops of the swim bladder treatment and used the pipette to get air through the tank. It's over 24 hours since I got the little guy home and not only is he still alive, but hes upright and has taken a few flakes. He only seemed to eat out my hand to begin with, but now he's taking the bite from flakes on the bottom!!!!!! I thought I was just getting him home for a few hours, but now its seems he'll soon be brought up to heat and put in the big tank. Poor little thing, almost flushed, then bagged and put in a small tank, now about to come face to face with my 13cm oscar! Well, I hope he can anyway!!!! (BTW my oscar is tame and I'll watch the tank like a hawk if I do put him in - he's only about 4cm long and, um how to put this nicely... just a mouthful. lol) God, can you imagine if he makes it? What a great ending! *fingers crossed*

 

[courageous_stumbling]

Havent been on in a while, but my little Bo didnt make it. He lasted a few days and ate some food. I dont regret it though, at least it means he went in peace. x

 

[TorPeteO]

Well, congratulations on making his last few days alive more tolerable. Thanks for that.

 

[vmong]

well done, it was very nice of you to treat any animal with respect taht it deserves. you did a very honourable thing. well done