Heater Burn ...

[pitdogg2]

Re: Heater Burn ...

That'll buff right out.

[Mando]

Re: Heater Burn ...

How’s the fish holding up, Al?

[Willie]

Re: Heater Burn ...

Back in the day, I had a 4" discus stuck behind a heater. I wasn't particular observant and only noticed when I saw the fish with a burn pattern after the water change. The area was comparable to Al's fish. There were no scales left and the burnt area was just pink. Poor guy, must have been in so much pain.

Back then, I had no hospital tank and wasn't particularly up on medication. It stayed in the grow out tank and I just kept making large water changes. All this happened before I was doing daily water changes. I kept up the water changes (I don't recall the frequency) and just hoped for the best. Within a short time (I don't recall how long), the fish resumed eating. Eventually, it was fully recovered. The burnt area regrew scales. I recall it was a blue turq. The regrowth was surprisingly good. The striping went right through the burnt area, except it was somewhat offset from the unburned area.

My learning is: first, do no harm. Keep everything really clean. If the fish was in good condition beforehand, discus can be very forgiving.

Good luck, Al.

[Mando]

Re: Heater Burn ...

Back in the day, I had a 4" discus stuck behind a heater. I wasn't particular observant and only noticed when I saw the fish with a burn pattern after the water change. The area was comparable to Al's fish. There were no scales left and the burnt area was just pink. Poor guy, must have been in so much pain.

Back then, I had no hospital tank and wasn't particularly up on medication. It stayed in the grow out tank and I just kept making large water changes. All this happened before I was doing daily water changes. I kept up the water changes (I don't recall the frequency) and just hoped for the best. Within a short time (I don't recall how long), the fish resumed eating. Eventually, it was fully recovered. The burnt area regrew scales. I recall it was a blue turq. The regrowth was surprisingly good. The striping went right through the burnt area, except it was somewhat offset from the unburned area.

My learning is: first, do no harm. Keep everything really clean. If the fish was in good condition beforehand, discus can be very forgiving.

Good luck, Al.

It’s so nice for people to share experiences like this! Love this forum more and more every day.

[brewmaster15]

Re: Heater Burn ...

Hi all,
I had hoped to do more updates but with the Holiday and family things it just didnt happen. The fish is doing well and healing..Its been 8 days since I posted this and have treated with Oxytetracycline. The infection has subsided and the healing is progressing well. Discus never cease to amaze me. They get a bad rap as weak fish but they really are not...If kept as they should be they have amazing immune systems.

Here was 8 days ago..

2018-11-18 13.31.16.jpg

Here is today..
flash
2018-11-26 08.17.46.jpg
no flash
2018-11-26 08.16.16.jpg

cropped burn area.
2018-11-26 08.19.18.jpg

When I treat with an antibiotic I don't cut short the treatment. 10 days for oxytetracycline is what I use as it takes a few days to reach therapeutic levels in the fish from my experience.

I will post more updates as it progresses but we are over the hill and on our way to patient discharge.
al

[Second Hand Pat]

Re: Heater Burn ...

Can only say WOW Al It is looking very good.
Pat

[LizStreithorst]

Re: Heater Burn ...

Amazing.

[Pices]

Re: Heater Burn ...

That is an amazing recover in just 8 days! I really thought he was a goner. Dr Discus does it again!
Patty

[jeep]

Re: Heater Burn ...

Nice job Al!!

[Mando]

Re: Heater Burn ...

So happy reading this! GJ!

[brewmaster15]

Re: Heater Burn ...

Thanks everyone. I didnt do much here though..just gave it good clean water, the judicious use of the right antibiotic for an appropriate duration, and good food. The fishes immune system did the rest.

Pretty happy so far with the healing.

Al

[brewmaster15]

Re: Heater Burn ...

Update time...

Fish is doing very well... the scab has fallen off and the healing continues, you can actually see some scales growing back in the middle of the wound.


Original injury... 11/17/2018

2018-11-18 13.31.16.jpg


today... 12/6/18

IMGP5362a.jpg


closeup.. see the scales? That should start to close up now from the margins and interior.

IMGP5362_01a.jpg


al


al

[LizStreithorst]

Re: Heater Burn ...

That's amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing pics when the fish is totally healed. I wonder if there will even be any sign of the injury.

[brewmaster15]

Re: Heater Burn ...

I don't know Liz, I think there will probably some scales that grow back funky. On a Snakeskin , it probably won't be that bad, but if this was a solid or open pattern fish like a turq I think it would be more obvious.

Time will tell.

So much for Discus being whimpy weak fish huh?

al

[Mando]

Re: Heater Burn ...

great recovery, and he is a beautiful one! glad he survived.