The Puffer Forum

I have a Mbu that is partially inflated with air. Have tried technique described in library with no success. He doesn't make any attempt to fill with water. Currently being held underwater with a net. Please help urgently - he is going to die and I love him!!!!

Please read th thread at the top of the hospital forum and anser as many questions as you can.

Does he have trouble staying upright, floats to the top awkwardly swims?

He is trying to swim - fins are going but he is stuck upside down at the top of the tank - breathing heavily

Water paramters? when was the last time you did a water change and how much. Tank size etc... Any noticeable lumps in the belly?

As much info as you can.

parameters - ammonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate 10 ph 7.4 last water change 2 days ago - 30%. no noticeable lumps or bumps. Tank size 6ftx18inx18in. Mbu is 6-7 inches

Keep trying to burp him

I just wanted to use that emoticon...

Hmmm, I wonder if its possibly a swim bladder problem, you could try adding some epsom salts, If his swim bladder is inflamed that might reduce the swelling.

Thank you so much for all your replies
Glad to report that he has now deflated and is swimming around quite happily. I've been trying to 'burp' him every few hours and that didn't work. He was very weak this morning when I found him and after the first attempt at burping I left him wedged under a net to stop him floating to the surface and drying out. After a few hours he seemed much 'stronger' and was trying to fight me when I held him. Again burping didn't produce any results. A 3rd attempt saw him inflate a little with water but he remained like that and didn't deflate any. I really thought it was a no win situation and as a last ditch effort lifted him out of the water. He inflated fully with air and on placing him back in the water expelled it all in one go.
I realise they aren't supposed to inflate with air but thought I'd share the story in case it helps anyone else. I had tried lifting him out of the water when I first found him but he seemed too weak to do much then.
Again thanks for all your help!

Nice one a little unorhodox but as long as it worked.

I am glad it turned out OK. I like happy endings

Whew! Whatever it takes to get him back on his fins.

Nice one, I am pleased all worked out in the end, any idea what caused it?

I really don't know what may have caused it. The temperature had risen a couple of degrees higher than I normally have it so maybe that was to blame? I fed him cockles early pm the day before as usual and he was fine at lights out.
It's the first time I've had to deal with an air inflated puffer, thankfully I'd done my research when I first started out and read the library articles so I didn't panic when I first found him (well, not too much....... )