Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

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Since this board has been up, we have found there are several questions that routinely get asked in order to help diagnose problems. If you can have that information to begin with in your post, we'll be able to help right away (if we can!) without having to wait for you to post the info we need.

1) Your water parameters - pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrates and salinity (if appropriate). This is by far the most important information you can provide! Do not answer this with "Fine" "Perfect" "ok", that tells us nothing. We need hard numbers.

2) Tank size and a list of ALL inhabitants. Include algae eaters, plecos, everything. We need to know what you have and how big the tank is.

3) Feeding, water change schedule and a list of all products you are using or have added to the tank (examples: Cycle, Amquel, salt, etc)

4) What changes you've made in the tank in the last week or so. Sometimes its the little things that make all the difference.

5) How long the aquarium has been set up, and how did you cycle it? If you don't know what cycling is read this: Fishless Cycling Article and familiarize yourself with all the information. Yes. All of it.

We want to help, and providing this information will go a LONG way to getting a diagnosis and hopeful cure that much faster.

While you wait for assistance:
One of the easiest and best ways to help your fish feel better is clean water! If you are already on a regular water change schedule (50% weekly is recommended) a good step to making your fish more comfortable while waiting for diagnosis/suggestions is to do a large water change immediately. Feel free to repeat daily or as often as you can, clean water is always a good thing! Use of Amquel or Prime as a dechlor may help with any ammonia or nitrite issues, and is highly recommended.

Note - if you do not normally do large water changes, doing a sudden, large water change could shock your fish by suddenly changing their established water chemistry. Clean water is still your first goal, so in this case, do several smaller (10%) water changes over the next day or two before starting any large ones.
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by bigfatfish »

edmlfc1 wrote:I don't trust clove oil, if you can get finquel. Are you in the states?
No. In the UK.
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by bigfatfish »

Pufferpunk wrote:Are those things teeth holding his mouth open? I thought you trimmed them already.
Yes, I did trim them already - see the pictures of before & after. As I said in earlier post, I was extremely nervous when I did it & I rushed. I was not sure how much to take off & I didn't want to take too much - I can always take a bit more, but I cannot put some back. I don't know if its the teeth keeping his mouth open? They don't meet at the front & I don't know how far back into the mouth the teeth go, so maybe they need shortening further back. Help & advice appreciated, sarcastic comments not really helpful!! :wink:
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by Pufferpunk »

I wan't meaning to sound saarcastic at all. I see shorter teeth but what are those long thin things in his mouth
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by bigfatfish »

Pufferpunk wrote:I wan't meaning to sound saarcastic at all. I see shorter teeth but what are those long thin things in his mouth
That picture is of him before his teeth were trimmed - those were his long teeth! Kind of like a rabbit whose upper & lower incisors do not meet properly & the top teeth become long because they do not grind down on the lower teeth. Its hard when you see him everyday, cos you don't notice how long they get. I feel bad that I haven't sorted him sooner, but he has never stopped eating or seemed unhealthy or unhappy. But I do want to do the best for him.
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by Pufferpunk »

That doesn't look like normal tooth growth though. Did you see the ones in my dentistry article? Was that abcess there then before you trimmed his teeth? My guess would be the teeth grew into the skin. What are you treating him with? Is he getting any better?
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by bigfatfish »

The swelling that I was concerned about has subsided without treatment. I have seen the pictures in your dentistry article & he just looks completely different. I am wondering if he has always had misaligned teeth that do not wear down properly because I have always done my best to feed the correct foods? I think I need to get hold of a proper anaesthetic, as I have been told that it is not good to use clove oil & really get a good look inside his mouth. I wish there was a local vet who could help, but there doesn't seem to be anyone around here. I have contacted the big aquarium nearby, but I have not heard from them yet.
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by Pandora114 »

My Animal care Aide instructor inherited a rat who's teeth didn't align properly, so they don't wear down while chewing. She has to manually clip the teeth with a set of dog nail clippers once a week. Maybe your puffer is the same way?

Yeah see if you can get the Finquel or whatever it's called from that aquarium vet. They might get in touch with you on Monday..seeing it's a weekend and all.
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by LilGreenPuffer »

The name of the sedative in Finquel is MS-222, or Tricaine Methane Sulphonate. If you can't find Finquel, you might be able to find it under another name (?). Vets can often write prescriptions for MS-222. Are you in the US? You can order by mail with the address at this site.

http://www.argent-labs.com/argentwebsite/ms-222.htm
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by Pufferpunk »

IMO clove oil is fine for a healthy fish in an emergency, when the procedure doesn't last more than 3 minutes. It's just when used over & over, it can cause brain damage.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by bigfatfish »

Well I will try & get the proper stuff tomorrow, but I have clove oil if I need it. 3 minutes - ok. Half the problem is I am unsure if he is a healthy fish! I am scared of killing him, but I guess I have to do something for him. Going to have a good read of your dental article again & enlist the help of a friend with good eyesight & a steady hand.
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by Pufferpunk »

By healthy, I mean not starving due to it's long teeth & inability to eat.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
bigfatfish
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by bigfatfish »

Nothing wrong with his appetite or ability to eat! He wrestled an earthworm yesterday & ate the lot! Going to make sure he eats well all this week & plan for the coming Saturday or Sunday as the BIG DAY! I know you do this all the time, buts its a big deal to me!
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by Pufferpunk »

LOL only done this 3-4 times. My modestus is due again.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
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Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by LilGreenPuffer »

I'd be terrified! Most of the time, puffers don't ever need a trim, if they're given a proper diet that wears down their teeth. SAPs need a trim every six months or so, no matter what they eat, and some others wind up needing a trim every so often, but in general, I don't think most of us have done it.
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."

Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi


Image

Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!

I AM A DUDETTE!

NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
bigfatfish
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Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:33 pm
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Location: Devon, UK

Re: Tumour vs Abscess in GSP

Post by bigfatfish »

Now there is a further installment in the saga of my puffers mouth problems! Although the swelling on the side has gone, inside his mouth, it all looks white. I am sure I used to be able to see the "working" parts inside his mouth, but now it seems to be obscured by this white stuff. His mouth is still open more than it should be. Currently he is begging for food, so I am thawing some out, to see if he can eat.
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