Tumours On Livebearers

[LauraFrog]

I have a platy with a tumour on her side. The LFS was going to put her down but I said I'd take her. I posted saying I might attempt to cut it off if I could (and got half flamed for it ). I managed to catch her and have a close look - if I was going to remove all of the cancerous tissue I would have to take all the scales off her left side and take quite a lot of flesh as well. I definitely wouldn't do it, it's completely inoperable. At the moment it's not growing noticeably and she is quite healthy otherwise, eating well and very active. She's nicely marked and also pregnant. Should I feed the fry to my bettas or is it okay to keep them as growouts? I don't want to raise fry if the cancer is hereditary but if it's not then I'd just be wasting good fry.

 

[Colin_T]

Genetics does play a role in causing cancer but it is normally an environmental issue that brings it on.
The fry should be fine to keep. If you want to feed them off it probably wouldn't hurt the betta but if you have them, keep them and grow them up. They could turn out to be nice fish.

Are you sure it is cancer and not a cyst or flesh eating bacteria?

 

[dunchp]

Are you sure it is cancer and not a cyst or flesh eating bacteria?

Yup, I agree with Colin T completely; there is no way to be sure that it is a cancerous tumour, it could be anything and the guy in the shop was probably just fobbing you off with his own home diagnosis. Grow them on and see what you get.

 

[LauraFrog]

He's not fobbing me off, he was just going to put down a fish that wouldn't sell because it had a lump on its side, saw a sucker who'd take it and handed it over! I'm just saying it could be cancer as in worst case scenario. It's not flesh eating bacteria because that would be getting worse a lot faster, surely. I guess it could be a cyst.
She's nicely marked, if I need feeders I'll use unmarked red fry which are hard to sell. If you all think it will be okay to raise them I will

 

[dunchp]

He's not fobbing me off, he was just going to put down a fish that wouldn't sell because it had a lump on its side, saw a sucker who'd take it and handed it over! I'm just saying it could be cancer as in worst case scenario. It's not flesh eating bacteria because that would be getting worse a lot faster, surely. I guess it could be a cyst.
She's nicely marked, if I need feeders I'll use unmarked red fry which are hard to sell. If you all think it will be okay to raise them I will

Laura; I have been following this and your earlier post with a little interest, the fishkeeper told you that the fish had cancer, which you seem to have believed, I think both Colin and I doubt the prognosis of 'cancer'. From your earlier posts, I was not under the impression that you were in any doubt that it was cancer.

I don't want to get into a debate over this, but it could be a harmless cyst, in which case you will be able to breed without too many concerns; or it could be a cancer, in which case you will still be able to breed (if possible).

There is a history of cancer in certain Xiphophorus species, particularly hybrids and the Xiphophorus Stock Centre in Texas does some amazing work on this subject. I am off there for a second time next week, but if you would like to read up on it then see the following link: -

www.xiphophorus.org

 

[Colin_T]

how are the fish doing by the way, mummy and babies

 

[LauraFrog]

Thanks for the advice. Whatever it is doesn't seem to be affecting her quality of life at all so I see no reason why she should be put down. No babies yet, but she's looking great! The Xiphophorus stock centre is interesting, I haven't had a chance to go through it in detail but I must get around to it. I've been lazy...

I might try and get a picture of it and see what you think it is...

 

[dunchp]

Thanks for the advice. Whatever it is doesn't seem to be affecting her quality of life at all so I see no reason why she should be put down. No babies yet, but she's looking great! The Xiphophorus stock centre is interesting, I haven't had a chance to go through it in detail but I must get around to it. I've been lazy...

I might try and get a picture of it and see what you think it is...

That would be interesting, it would be good to see.

If I can find any further information out at the Stock Centre then I will let you know.