Will He Survive? :(

[jessicajersey]

i got my new blue oranda on saturday and found these cotton wool like spots on his head on monday. I looked it up and it seems like fungus so i purchased some protozin and started the treatment straight away yesterday. i am really worried as he is new and my other two fish have been fine and i have had them for months. One of the other fish seems to like having a go at his tail too.

i have started the treatment but some more spots have appeared, should this be happening. Am i doing the right thing? Will he survive?

 

[RandomWiktor]

Fungus usually only crops up on the site of an injury, so if it isn't responding to treatment, I'd have to worry that it isn't true fungus, and is actutally bacterial. The location of the fungus on the head reminds me of typical columnaris symptoms, but let me ask a few more questions. For now, it may be wise to isolate the sick fish, continue the fungus treatment, and add the medicinal dose of aquarium salt while you're at it (preferably over the course of a few hours if they're not used to it).
Now, some questions to rule out columnaris:
- Is there any ulceration under the fungus?
- Is there a red edge to the fungus?
- Is it white and fluffy, or greyish?
- Is is spreading rapidly, or slowly?
- Is the fungus spreading beyond the head, to the back, gills, or mouth?
- Did your notice any dull or grey spots before the fungus started?
- Are there any other physical symptoms (ie. paleness, lethargy, fin deterioration)
- Is the fungus responding to anti-fungals?

If you have a photo, that'd be great too.

 

[jessicajersey]

thanks for replying,

- it is white and fluffy like cotton wool
-there was one area of the head affected on monday and now there are a few areas already
-but it is only on the head
-there was no sign of any grey spots before it appeared
-he seems to be ok still eating but doesn't seem to find the food too easily
-it doesn't seem red or sore at all just like cotton wool
-one of the areas has improved with the treatment but other bits have appeared

sorry don't have a photo but if it will help i can get one,
thanks

 

[WILDER]

If you can issolate the fish tetracycline, if not maracyn one and two, yes it's columnaris.

http/article.discusnews.com/cat-02/columnaries.shtml

 

[jessicajersey]

so protozin won't clear it?

 

[WILDER]

Usually myxazin and primafix.

Yes that meds fine but will need to add myxazin as well.

http/www.waterlife.co.uk/waterlife/myxazin.htm

 

[jessicajersey]

ok will do thanks

 

[WILDER]

No sometimes one med dosn't do alot at all, in the uk you have to go on with two meds, don't forget to increae aeration with meds as it will reduce 02, plus keep an eye on your water stats, good luck.

 

[jessicajersey]

so should i finish the course of protozin, wait four days and then start the myaxazin treatment? what if there is no response to the protozin?

 

[WILDER]

You could try that, if there is no improvement in a day or two i would add the myxazin in with the protozin.

 

[jessicajersey]

ok its just that on the bottle of protozin it says to leave a minimum of 4 days before adding myxazin, why is this?

 

[WILDER]

Just covering there selves.

 

[jessicajersey]

ok thank you very much for the advice it has been very helpful and i hope i have caught it early enough for him to get better

 

[WILDER]

Goldfish can be tough, good luck.

 

[jessicajersey]

Unfortunately my fish has deteriorated today. This morning he had difficulty eating his food and spat most of it out. I just came home to find him upside down near the bottom of the tank and he seems to be having trouble breathing, the cotton wool like fungus seems to be disappearing. It doesn't look good

I just don't understand my other fish are absolutely fine.