Burst Tumor - Euthanize Or Not?

[Marlaky]

A few days ago, I noticed that one of my 2 year-old neon tetras had a swollen abdomen and the rest of him looks emaciate. He was still swimming around and eating so I decided to observe him for a few days. 2 days ago he developped a dark spot on the side of his abdomen, so I figured he had some kind of internal tumor. This morning, the tumor or mass was completely protruding from his side. I decided it was time to euthanize him - which I really hate doing - but while netting him the mass became completely dislodged from his body. There was no bleeding or oozing fluid, but now he has a clean whitish hole in the side of his abdomen. I inspected the mass, which is about 1/4 inch (8mm) in diameter, which is huge ocnsidering that the fish is only about an inch long. The mass has the color of pale liver and a squishy, almost mucous-like texture. I can't tell if it's an organ/part of his digestive tract gone cancerous or a seperte tumour. The little guy is in quarantine right now but I'm not sure what to do. I now it's just a tetra, but I don't like killing my fish. Can he survive this kind of trauma? If so, what can I treat the water with to prevent infection and promote healing? Should I jus euhthanize him? Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[kcartwright856]

The decision to treat or euthanize is up to you. You are the only one that can judge its quality of life.

If you do decide to treat, I would do a week of Melafix. Heat the water a bit higher than normal and add an airstone.

 

[Marlaky]

The decision to treat or euthanize is up to you. You are the only one that can judge its quality of life.

If you do decide to treat, I would do a week of Melafix. Heat the water a bit higher than normal and add an airstone.

Thanks, I'll try a mild melafix/pimafix/salt combo and see if he improves. It's just so distressing not to be able to teel if he's suffering or not. The airstone is a wonderful suggestion and after doing a bit of research and realizing how beneficial they are, I'm somewhat ashamed I don't have one already. I figured aquatic plants were sufficient oxygenators, but I suppose they're just like any other plant and can't produce oxygen through photosynthesis at night. I'll be getting one today. Thank you.

 

[kcartwright856]

Increased oxygen exchange (airstone) and clean water (50% daily changes while in quarantine, being sure to replace medication), important aids in the healing process, are often overlooked when treating fish. Not to mention in general as a basic requirement to keeping healthy fish.

As far as being able to tell, just watch the fish closely for a while. Can it swim correctly? Is it eating normally, or at least eating a bit? If both of those are a "yes", then I personally believe it's safe to say that it has a fighting chance. Reevaluate your decision when one of those changes.