The Puffer Forum

Tube feeding should be considered well before euthanasia. Fill a syringe with a slurry of meaty foods, vitamins, and prazi. You may need to sedate for this so it doesn't bite off the tube that will be attached to the end of the syringe. I there are several threads or possibly an article about this in the library. PP would you have a link for this?

Indeed PP, indeed.

The worst thing is that these challenges of these sensitive fish are kinda taking it out of me. I'm resigned to possibly needing to go with other fish that are a bit more robust - even though the issues of this one don't seem to be lack of care. The personalities make you attached, and then they die on you so easily. A lot.

Literally perfect water conditions, following every guideline I see on here...slowly moving water to brackish, tons of decor and hiding places, over filtration (2 OTB filters 40-60g), 500gph circulation pump, lots of aeration (large stone), low algae, frequent water changes, ONLY use Prime for conditioned water, varied diet of live snails (that I made a tank for) / frozen gut-loaded bloodworms and krill (thawed in combo of aquarium water & VitaChem) / live brine shrimp...water temp at 80 degrees, no nitrate / nitrite / ammonia, pH of 8.2 - steady.

I've done everything I can...but I'd bet he's a goner by the time I get home. I hope not.

Welch4 wrote:Tube feeding should be considered well before euthanasia. Fill a syringe with a slurry of meaty foods, vitamins, and prazi. You may need to sedate for this so it doesn't bite off the tube that will be attached to the end of the syringe. I there are several threads or possibly an article about this in the library. PP would you have a link for this?

Agreed, it'd nothing I'm rushing to do...I was going to try an eyedropper once sedated...would I use low-dose clove oil for that sedation? All I see is to use anesthesia...

I just feel bad for him. How many days is too long to suffer? He's on day 3 now...how long can he NOT eat?

One last item...what kind of tubing can one use? Walgreens doesn't stock catheter tubing...what else would suffice? Otherwise, got my syringe, more prazi, and the clove oil. Any help in the next few hours before I take action would be of great help.

Especially when it comes to the oral dose of prazipro. He's a 2" GSP - I have no idea how many lbs that would be.

My vet has always been helpful supplying me with necessary articles for treating my fish. Even giving my goldfish antibiotic shots.

You can give all the best care possible to your fish but if they come in with IPs, the best care in the world doesn't get rid off them.
I'm sorry--I wish I had an article at my fingertips on force-feeding but I'm sure there are some on Youtube.

A healthy puffer is one of the most robust fish you can keep! I just had my 17 year old fahaka puffer shipped 750 miles to me & he's doing great!

Upon my arrival home, RIP. I wish I could send him out to some lab to make sure. That's now 0-3 for me and GSPs.

Not sure what to do now...and my GSP book was almost done. So much equipment. Think I need something less IP infested.

Thanks everyone for the help over the past 6+ months. It really is a great forum. I just can't keep them alive, despite going above and beyond.

Were they all purchased from the same source? You could do a necropsy on it to see if there are worms inside.