The Puffer Forum

Its that age old problem on the puffers! Ive got a collomesus puffer Colin, hes been looking a bit skinny lately. But im 16 weeks pregnant and in the middle of a house move, so to be fair he hasnt had the attention he would for the past few days. I had a good look at him last night and noticed why he was so skinny, its the poor little fellas teeth. He looks like goofy!!!! He lives with snails, but just doesnt like them. Previously, ive tried all sorts of hard foods but he just doesnt like it so i always knew it could be a problem and just thought i would keep an eye on it to see how we go.
So ive done all the reading up, and i just dont think im confident enough to do it myself. Ive rung vet after vet after vet, and i now have the number of one that may do it. But they are a 45 minute drive away (assuming we dont get stuck in traffic) and i think that may stress poor colin out more then the actual procedure.
Its looking like im going to have to be a big brave girl and do it myself.
So has anyone got any tips or hints? Colin is still quite small so i know its not going to be all that easy to do.

I pertty much put everything I can think of in that article. Is there anything you don't understand?

The article is awesome, and very helpful. Its just being totally honest, im a wuss!!!!

I just did my first trim the other day without anesthesia, it went better than I anticipated. I knew I couldn't risk using clove oil because it is associated with brain damage, finquil (I think this may be the correct spelling) carries a heavier risk of overdose. I ordered Finquil yesterday so I will be using that for now on. I'm hoping the directions are precise to avoid any possibilities. I used gloves because the acid from our hands harm them. I attached a hang on plastic container on his tank so I could just put him in the container under water and clip it on. Do not take your Puffer out of the water. I think my Puffer is scared of me now but at least he can eat.

Clove oil is fine in a pinch, as long as you don't use it too frequently or on a weak/starving fish. Glad it went well for you.

How much does clove oil usually go for?

I don't remember for sure but I'd guess around $5-7.
Edit: http://www.shop.com/+-a-red+cross+eugen ... 6-st.shtml

My little bottle was about $6, and it's a pretty tiny bottle (more like a vial).

Yeah, that's what it comes in. You don't need much. Anyone ever actuallly use if for a toothache?

Haven't really had a toothache, unless you count having braces.

I did it! I trimmed my SAP's beak. I was really scared, but I did it., not as short as I wanted, but for a first try, the best I could do. Now here's to hoping he is OK. My daughter was heartbroken to imagine him starving to death.
Thanks for the article!

Glad to hear it went well!

To be honest, it's best to err on the side of "not trimming quite enough" than to trim it too much, haha!

Yeah, puffers don't like their lips pinched!

my finquil should be here tuesday. So I'm next in line for trimming i believe.

Finquil was a lot more expensive than the clove oil. It better last me a loooong time.