My oranda Wendy started displaying some buoyancy problems last week along with an asymmetrical bloated transparent belly. It was an insidious onset. She started out staring at the side of the tank and sitting in the corner.
I initially thought perhaps she was constipated. So she was fed nothing but peas for a few days. She was then given Epsom salt baths, salt added to the aquarium etc. No improvement. I spent numerous hours researching swim bladder disease and other goldfish ailments. She was also given cod liver oil several drops twice a day. [ What a PITA finding that ].
I ended up having to net her for hours at a time as she was turning upside down and was getting stressed as she was not able to rest.
She would wedge herself in plants to sit upright. The other fish in the tank would lie on top of her to keep her steady and comfort her. It was an amazing sight to see.
I found a web site called koivet and a moderator there named eBay Queen who directed me to a fish vet in my area [Hour drive away }.
Wendy seen Dr. Roberts today and after a consult was anestisized [ with MS222 ] and x-rayed. She has a large fluid filled cyst on her right side which has pushed her swim bladder aside.
She aspirated 30 cc's of fluid [ about 10 tablespoons ] which alleviated a lot of pressure. There is still considerable fluid left which will be aspirated at another time. She may have to have an exploratory done if she does not improve or if the cyst fills again. Unfortunately she does not have an endoscope small enough to scope her so it would involve surgery.
I have to say watching the fish put to sleep and then seeing the x-rays was quite fascinating! She also took gill clippings and she has flukes!! I seen at least 6 on the slide through the microscope.
So tonight i treated the whole tank with Prazipond. Wendy was also given a shot of baytril prophylactically for infection.
The good news is Wendy is currently enjoying a meal of peas and shrimp which she has room for now. She is not flipping though is sitting on the bottom of the tank. I will probably net her for the night to give her a rest.
All her tank mates came up to her when put back in the tank as if to say " where the heck were ya! "
So what ever God you believe in say a prayer for little Wendy. She is a tough little gal who had a heck of a day.
I initially thought perhaps she was constipated. So she was fed nothing but peas for a few days. She was then given Epsom salt baths, salt added to the aquarium etc. No improvement. I spent numerous hours researching swim bladder disease and other goldfish ailments. She was also given cod liver oil several drops twice a day. [ What a PITA finding that ].
I ended up having to net her for hours at a time as she was turning upside down and was getting stressed as she was not able to rest.
She would wedge herself in plants to sit upright. The other fish in the tank would lie on top of her to keep her steady and comfort her. It was an amazing sight to see.
I found a web site called koivet and a moderator there named eBay Queen who directed me to a fish vet in my area [Hour drive away }.
Wendy seen Dr. Roberts today and after a consult was anestisized [ with MS222 ] and x-rayed. She has a large fluid filled cyst on her right side which has pushed her swim bladder aside.
She aspirated 30 cc's of fluid [ about 10 tablespoons ] which alleviated a lot of pressure. There is still considerable fluid left which will be aspirated at another time. She may have to have an exploratory done if she does not improve or if the cyst fills again. Unfortunately she does not have an endoscope small enough to scope her so it would involve surgery.
I have to say watching the fish put to sleep and then seeing the x-rays was quite fascinating! She also took gill clippings and she has flukes!! I seen at least 6 on the slide through the microscope.
So tonight i treated the whole tank with Prazipond. Wendy was also given a shot of baytril prophylactically for infection.
The good news is Wendy is currently enjoying a meal of peas and shrimp which she has room for now. She is not flipping though is sitting on the bottom of the tank. I will probably net her for the night to give her a rest.
All her tank mates came up to her when put back in the tank as if to say " where the heck were ya! "
So what ever God you believe in say a prayer for little Wendy. She is a tough little gal who had a heck of a day.
