Sick Bristlenose

[oakes]

As above, i have 2 adult b/n cats and the male has developed a swollen bloated stomach and is not moving much. Does anyone know what may have caused this and if there is any treatment?

I have not changed their diet, they get a bit of left over NLS and supplementary algae wafers and zuchini. Water parameters are as they should be.

 

[Wrams]

Can you be more specific as to his behavour and eating habits etc etc? Is he hiding away from you and looking timid? Has his scales started to point out? Has he any markings on his body/face/fins? These are all useful answers to help diagnose any problems. He may just be constipated so look to see if he has clear poo.

 

[oakes]

Can you be more specific as to his behavour and eating habits etc etc? Is he hiding away from you and looking timid? Has his scales started to point out? Has he any markings on his body/face/fins? These are all useful answers to help diagnose any problems. He may just be constipated so look to see if he has clear poo.

His behaviour does not seem too abnormal, except he is not moving around as much. Everything else visually normal except the very large swollen belly. In the day or two since i noticed this i have not seen him eat or poo, so i do suspect constipation, though not sure if this is the cause or just a symptom of something else. I might try some zuchini which he usually loves, if i can get him to eat it might help clear any blockage.

 

[Wrams]

Can you be more specific as to his behavour and eating habits etc etc? Is he hiding away from you and looking timid? Has his scales started to point out? Has he any markings on his body/face/fins? These are all useful answers to help diagnose any problems. He may just be constipated so look to see if he has clear poo.

His behaviour does not seem too abnormal, except he is not moving around as much. Everything else visually normal except the very large swollen belly. In the day or two since i noticed this i have not seen him eat or poo, so i do suspect constipation, though not sure if this is the cause or just a symptom of something else. I might try some zuchini which he usually loves, if i can get him to eat it might help clear any blockage.

Have you tried giving him peas? If you do make sure you only give him the center and crush it between your fingers. Peas are good for constipation in most fish so try that see if it helps.

 

[WILDER]

What are your water stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph.
Epson salt baths to help draw fluids out.
Only feed peas no other food.
Cook frozen peas for a few minutes, let cool down and pop out of shell, mush between fingers into small pieces and add to the tank.

http/www.fishjunkies.com/Treatments/salt.php
What do you normally feed your fish.

 

[drobbyb]

I echo what everyone else has said. Try the pas and see if that helps. The good thing about peas is they are cheaper than any meds and they work better.

 

[oakes]

ok thanks all i'll try the peas for starters.

Ammonia = 0
Nitrite =0
Nitrate = 40
pH = 8.0

 

[drobbyb]

ok thanks all i'll try the peas for starters.

Ammonia = 0
Nitrite =0
Nitrate = 40
pH = 8.0

You need a 50% waterchange while you are at it.

 

[WILDER]

Why does he need to do a 50% water change his water stats look fine to me.
What your tap nitrate reading.

 

[drobbyb]

I keep forgetting that some people have nitrates naturally in their tap water. I'm lucky I guess in the fact that mine has 0

 

[oakes]

My tap Nitrate is 0. At least last time i checked, i live rural and have only rainwater available to which i add conditioning salts to raise hardness & pH.

Perhaps a water change wouldn't hurt.
I just noticed when i had a good look at him his swollen belly is almost transparent and it appears as though it's full of air rather than anything solid.

 

[WILDER]

Ok.
Try the peas it's a laxative to fish it will make him go to the toilet and hopefully remove the air.
Good luck.