Bloated fish, epsom salts did not work, now what?

[magplate]

I have one of my better Ring Leopard juveniles that seems to have bloat. I tried escalating doses of epsom salts with no results.

He has gone through 10 days of metro treatment at 90F also.

He seems otherwise healthy but does not eat and his stomach is huge. I would hate to lose him, does anyone have any suggestions?



BLOAT !.jpg

Bloat 2.jpg

[100fuegos]

I have been through the same problem in the past. Epson salts did nothing in my case either ( two table spoons / 10 GAL for few hours will be enough). It took a couple of days without food and clean water and the affected fish finally released quite a load. It was unbelievable the amount on the bottom of the tank.

[magplate]

Right now he is by himself in a 29 gallon tank. I have been doing 50% water changes twice a day. I stopped the epsom salts a couple of days ago.

[brewmaster15]

Hi Steve,
Threads like this one really should be in the disease board with a complete questionaire filled out with all the information requested.

If epsom failed and the metro failed after 10 days. Its very likely this isnt a blockage or protozoan caused.. It could be any number of things causing fluid buildup such as a tumor or bacterial infection or worms.

Things to try.
Praziquantel... a mass of tapeworms could block up a small discus like this.

Kanamycin... if its a bacterial infection this would be a good choice.

Other than that I dont think theres much you can do. Its not likely a fish this swollen will recover .
Hth,
Al

[magplate]

Well I took Al's advice and ordered the Kanamycin. Because it was going to take a few days with the weekend and all, I decided to try tetracycline from the big box pet store.

After wresting with this for 3 weeks the fish was cured and eating by the 2nd day of treatment! Didn't get to try the Kanamycin but it appears that it was a bacterial infection, good call Al and thanks!

[Filip]

Great news Steve .
What was your Tetracycline dosage , and treatment duration ?

[HarryDk]

I have always been nervous when it come to tetracycline, now that yours is working, I would try mine next. I didnt think this fish will recover at all, great work!

[magplate]

I bought the API "T.C. Tetracycline Powder" at Petco and followed their instructions. There are 10 packets in the box and you use one packet for 10 gallons. I had him in a 20 gallon so it took 2 packets each dose for 4 doses. I went a fifth dose to use up what I had, but he was eating and not bloated by the 2nd dose.

I find it misleading to casual hobbyists that the package claims that it treats 100 gallons, but that is for one dose. How many people get home and find they have to buy 3 more boxes at $18 each! n I moved the fish from a 40 to the 20 so I would have enough to finish the treatment.

[brewmaster15]

Glad it worked out for you Steve!

[ssevasta]

Al is it possible for the Tetracycline to have worked that quickly or is it more likely that the fish just ended up passing the blockage? OP Did you notice the fish leaving any large stools in the tank after you saw that the swelling had gone down?