Help? What is this??? Updated

[Tangerinefizz]

** Updated to say that tonite when I got home from work, Sara was no longer with us. She was *fine* this morning, even chasing some of the guppy fry I have in a little seperator when I fed everyone, but by the time I got home she was gone. I've had her for close to 2 years.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and kind words.


Hello! I need some advice here on my poor baby Sara. I will post some pics when I get home tonite, but for now, I thought I'd start the post.

Sara has an ENORMOUS growth protruding from her right side. I mean it's huge. It was a tad smaller on the weekend, but it has grown to a hideous size and shape. Her appetite and behaviour is completely normal, although I have noticed she is "breathing" more. She probably has doubled her trips to the surface from what is normal.

The lump itself appears to be on the inside, and the skin colouring is normal except where the lump itself has stretched the skin.

Is this cancer or some other bizarre thing? And what do I do about it for her??

Promise to post pics later when I am at home.

TIA

 

[Ghetto]

This site should help you out.

 

[Tangerinefizz]

Sorry for the blurry shot, but it's the best I can get this evening. Camera is currently charging now, can try later but I think this shot gets it.

It's a bit hard to see, but if you look to the left of the two spots for eyes, you can see what I am talking about. The skin here is very translucent tonite. Poor fishy.

Thanks for the link. I've checked it out and pretty much drawn my own conclusion that it's a cancerous lump of some sort. Hope she doesn't suffer.

*Editted to say how the heck do I resize that pic here??

 

[FishEnthusiast]

It does look like a tumor to me. I am not sure if there is any effective treatment for this. I am pretty sure the best you can do is keep her water really clean and try to make her as comfortable as possible.

The tumor can be malignant or benign. There is no way to tell aside from a biopsy I think. I am sorry your fish has to go through this. I have never had a fish afflicted with this, so I am sorry I can't be of any more help.

 

[OrkyBetta]

I'd say wait and see if it starts to erode her or if it appears benign, don't worry. But if it just gets bigger and she seems to be suffering, I would consider euthanasia, because cancer in fish is usually long and drawn out.

 

[Tangerinefizz]

Wow, I never thought I would have to go through this with a fish. We just did it with our dog, and for some reason, I guess it just never occurred to me that any of my fish might have to go through the same thing. Poor Sara. I'm feeding her extra treats lately, figure if it is cancer she will need her strenght, and really, as long as I don't kill her with kindness, it shouldn't hurt.

Thanks for the replies guys!

 

[coconutman39]

Yes, i would have to say that is a tumor as previously said. Even though it looks bad, i have a fish that lives with a tumor behind one if its gill plates and it is gleefully swimming with only one active gill. it has been this way for about 3 months and doesnt harm the fish. Your fish might also be able to be the same way. Keep an eye out for the fish being lethargic, or having difficulty breathing, as it looks close to the gill(same as mine).

good luck.

 

[platyfreek]

I've read a story in our local paper about an oscar having a tumor and the owner got somebody to do surgery. some fish specialist or something. the story was mostly about the process of the surgery but I don't know if this is an option for you. hope your fishie is ok!

 

[OrkyBetta]

Good luck. Fish are a real heartbreak sometimes. Sorry to hear about your dog. just keep the fish nice and comfortable, and if she seems to be getting worse, maybe consider euthanasia. Surgery might be possible, but on a fish so small, the price will be much higher than the success rate. keep fightin.

 

[Tangerinefizz]

** Updated to say that tonite when I got home from work, Sara was no longer with us. She was *fine* this morning, even chasing some of the guppy fry I have in a little seperator when I fed everyone, but by the time I got home she was gone. I've had her for close to 2 years.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and kind words.


Sara, and thank you for your beauty the last 2 years. I enjoyed you.

 

[Naughtygirlrlw]

I am so sorry for your loss, RIP lil' Sara