Well fed vs egg bound vs worms?

[gwand]

I have two female Apistogramma cacatuoides in quarantine. One of them is swollen. Have I overfed the fish? Is she full of eggs? Or do you think she has worms? Thank you.

 

[CassCats]

That's unfortunate bloat (symptom is called dropsy), it could be internal infection, internal organs closing down, or internal parasites. Watch for white or clear stringy poops as those would indicate parasites. Parasites can also cause the other two things as well.

 

[gwand]

That's unfortunate bloat (symptom is called dropsy), it could be internal infection, internal organs closing down, or internal parasites. Watch for white or clear stringy poops as those would indicate parasites. Parasites can also cause the other two things as well.

Thanks. I have access to meds. Any one you suggest?

 

[CassCats]

Problem is knowing the cause. I'd watch, use some Epsom salt to help bring down swelling and help clear the gut.

1 tablespoon of pure Epsom salt (no dyes, no scents) to 10 gallons of water.

Can buy it at pharmacies in the bath section usually. Magnesium sulfate is what you want.

 

[gwand]

Problem is knowing the cause. I'd watch, use some Epsom salt to help bring down swelling and help clear the gut.

1 tablespoon of pure Epsom salt (no dyes, no scents) to 10 gallons of water.

Can buy it at pharmacies in the bath section usually. Magnesium sulfate is what you want.

She’s in a tank with another a. cacatuoides. Should I treat the tank or isolate her first? Thanks

 

[CassCats]

Wouldn't be harmful to treat both

 

[gwand]

Wouldn't be harmful to treat both

Thanks. I added the appropriate amount of magnesium sulfate. The poop of both fish looks normal. Brown and not stringy. Water parameters are fine. Fingers crossed.

 

[GaryE]

It can be several things, but it's not a look I've ever seen on an Apisto before. You might want to take out life insurance on her, asap.

 

[gwand]

I am certain a bit of Baroque opera will cure her.

 

[GaryE]

I am certain a bit of Baroque opera will cure her.

For many, opera could cure constipation issues.

 

[gwand]

Problem is knowing the cause. I'd watch, use some Epsom salt to help bring down swelling and help clear the gut.

1 tablespoon of pure Epsom salt (no dyes, no scents) to 10 gallons of water.

Can buy it at pharmacies in the bath section usually. Magnesium sulfate is what you want.

Hi Cass, here are before and after pics just 18 hours after the introduction of magnesium sulfate to the tank water. Do you think she May survive?
Before

After

 

[CassCats]

I've seen fish survive things they should not have, including bloat problems. Bloat is complicated because a lot of available treatments sometimes aren't strong enough for internal problems, and we also can't diagnose without looking at the body of a dead fish to know what went wrong to cause the bloat.

So I can't make promises on a recovery, but improvement is a good sign

 

[gwand]

I've seen fish survive things they should not have, including bloat problems. Bloat is complicated because a lot of available treatments sometimes aren't strong enough for internal problems, and we also can't diagnose without looking at the body of a dead fish to know what went wrong to cause the bloat.

So I can't make promises on a recovery, but improvement is a good sign

Hi Cass,
The a. cacatuoides continues to improve. How long do you recommend continuing the mag sulfate treatment? Thanks.

 

[CassCats]

I'd give it at least 7 days, and if she's still bloated but improving, do another 7 days

 

[gwand]

Hi Cass. I wanted to give you follow up on my female a. cacatuoides with bloat. I treated her for 7 days with magnesium sulfate. She responded rapidly. I’m pleased to tell you that I think she has recovered. She looks good, eats well and is active. Fingers crossed. Thank you for your assistance.