The Puffer Forum

Just a quick update - I've been treating with baths per Corvus's advice for 6 days. By day 2 the swelling had stopped growing - but has not yet gone down. Poor guy still hasn't eaten but has strength and somehow doesn't seem as stressed as he should be. I've also dropped the specific gravity to 1.017 and added an extra airstone near his spot in the tank. I briefly thought of tube-feeding but since he is still pretty strong I figured the stress would not be worth it. Basically, keeping my fingers crossed.

I hope that he can get better. I have been thinking of him.

That is progress!

Puffers can often go several weeks without eating, so I'd wait a bit longer on the tube feeding and see if the swelling goes down. I'd hate to see you damage something trying to squeeze a tube past the lump.

Another update - for the first time since this began Biscuit went after some food. He can get it in his mouth but can't swallow, he just wound up spitting it out. But he was enthusiastic, going after some clam and then mysis. I was a little bummed that he couldn't get the mysis down but quite happy to see him finally try and eat. I'll take it as a good sign. Just need the swelling to go down I think. Good call Myaj, I'm very glad I didn't try to force feed him

Do you do the baths daily?
What antibiotic are you using?
Have you used an antithelmic (de-wormer)?
If he starts eating again or at least having the food in his mouth, I'd soak the food in vitamins.

Good luck!

Hi Corvus,

I have been doing the baths daily for 6 days, gave him a rest on the 7th. I'm using Maracyn 2. The instructions define a full course as treating on day 1, 3 and 5, but that is only for treating the whole tank. I'm assuming 6 days at concentrated doses for 45 mins. is roughly equivalent, but am open to any input. I was unable to find an antithelmic at the 3 local fish stores I've been to here so I've ordered Praziquantel online. It has yet to arrive . I am going to start soaking the food in vitamins too, thank you for your help.

Mike

Sounds very good, what you are doing!
I hope it helps and turns out useful in the end.

well. . . wish I had good news, but Biscuit still can't get any food down and is not even trying as hard as he was. I believe he is starting to suffer from the malnutrition and his breathing has become a little more labored. His gills appear inflamed as well. I'm starting to think euthanasia, or possibly surgery. I can't believe I'm considering operating on him, I'm pretty squeamish. Guess I really want to try everything, so I'm considering knocking him out with clove oil, trying to excise whatever is blocking his throat and getting him back in the tank. I'll have a stronger concentration of clove oil handy in case I can't remove the blockage to end any suffering before it begins. I'm not terribly optimistic about my surgical abilities. Think I'll sleep on it and decide tomorrow.

I'd like to thank everybody for their help and concern. I've learned quite a bit through this experience, mostly here.

Mike

I was just thinking about the logistics of everything when it struck me: Sweet as he is, Biscuit is toxic and I have no QT. Cutting him open and returning him to the tank seems like a grave disservice to the other residents.

Oh man.. sorry it got you to this point!

I was under the impression that only Boxfish will nuke a tank with toxins? I could be very wrong about this, of course.

Sorry to hear it's not going well. I did hear of a person you used to do operations on their fish all the time. Apparently fish are very durable when it comes to being cut open. I'm likely as squeamish as you are, so I wouldn't even know where to start!

I'm not sure if he'll nuke the tank or not - it just struck me as a potential concern. Especially because he'll have an open wound. I've found a few accounts of people operating on their fish but no mention of potential toxicity post-op. Anybody have any idea?

Even if he wouldn't I'm still don't know if I can cut him open. It's an awful big lump, comprising approx. 10-15% of his mass. Seems like recovery is a long shot at best. All I know is that I'm going to have to do something soon.

I know nothing about surgery, but you can try and contact Puffer Queen at Marine Depot.com
She is extremely knowledgeable in fish disease and may be able to help you with the surgery aspect if you decide that is what is best. I hope he takes a turn for the better.

just an update if anybody is curious. Sorry for the delay, I had to re-install my OS and it has taken awhile to find all the drivers that I had to install. Biscuit still can't eat and I will euthanize him tonight or tomorrow. He's starting to suffer from starvation and I think it's time to let him go. I'd like to thank everyone for their genuine concern and thoughtful advice. Because of you I feel as though I was able to give every effort to try and help him. Thank you.

Mike

Sorry to hear that.
Did you consider tube feeding?
Did you get advice from PufferQueen?