My Guy is Not Well

[lopeva]

Like BettaMomma, my fella has been fighting chronic fin rot, and like her, I've been very diligent in keeping his tank clean, watching the water parameters, etc. Finally, because he lost part of his anal fin two weeks ago, he went into the hospital bowl.

Everything was great, caudal fin was looking great, anal fin was beginning to grow back. He wouldn't eat his pellets, but he was happily eating blood worms, and I was preparing to move him back to his primary home.

Then yesterday morning, he became listless, so I placed him on a heating pad to warm the water, always on low. When I arrived home yesterday evening, he was obviously in distress, and there was a large piece of waste in the water. It was very dark in color and was larger than a pellet. I removed from the bowl and also immediately changed the water. I always have prepared water on hand.

This morning, he is laying on his side, and appears to be gasping for breath. He moves a little and only to go to the top of the bowl and then back to the bottom.

Any thoughts on this dramatic turn of events? He was fine Wednesday night, and now this? He's had no other problems and has been a wonderful VT. I'm totally at a loss, and think my guy is down for the last count....

 

[BettaMomma]

Well...
I don't want to tell you that all hope is lost, but it sounds like he's going through what I've not only tried to help other people through with their fish, but have also gone though myself with little Amos. I did find a piece of waste exactly like you're talking about in Amos' tank after he was gone.

BUT, that does not necessarily mean it's going to be the end of the road for him. Do you have any meds there you could try? Have you heard of colloidal silver? wuv swears by that stuff and swears it can cure just about any ailment, if it is not already too late.

How's the water temp??

 

[lopeva]

Water temp was cool yesterday morning, that's why I placed the bowl on the heating pad. He's been treated for the last two weeks for the fin rot with Myracin, and was responding beautifully. The bowl is 1/2 gallon and is only used if he's ill so I can isolate and treat appropriately.

My fingers are crossed, that I'll come home and he'll be more active. But another thought crossed my mind this AM on my way to the office; our housekeeper cleaned on Wednesday, so possibly some residual cleaning product may have gotten in the bowl?!?

I am at a loss.... he's been a wonderful little fella..

 

[BettaMomma]

Yep. It's very possible.
If you could, when you get home, do a water change right away.
If the cleaners sprayed anything into the air, or used any of that dust stuff to sprinkle onto the carpet that could be ailing him.

I'll be thinking of him today. Hopefully you can get him taken care of as soon as you return home today. Is it possible for you to make a quick trip home at lunchtime? That would probably be your best option, if possible....

Best of luck to you.

 

[lopeva]

Thanks for the support. Unfortunately, my office is 1 1/2 hours from home. Hopefully the fish gods will keep him safe until I get home.

 

[BettaMomma]

Darn, that's too bad.
We'll all be pulling for him.
Hopefully all will be well with a water change when you get home!!

 

[lopeva]

Alexi didn't make it......

To all who think you can just "set them and forget them," this shows how fragile they really are. In less than 48 hours, my healthy guy went down hill.

Also proves to me, I should find a more suitable hospital tank. One that will keep them safe, and guarantee the healing process.

RIP Alexi......

 

[mm_simb]

I'm sorry for your loss

 

[FishyLoveBug]

Dang it Im so sorry. *Great big hug for you*

 

[BettaMomma]

I'm really really sorry.
I know how hard it is to lose a little guy.
It's pretty rough.
Hang in there - he IS in a better place now.

 

[Haiku]

I'm very sorry for your loss . But please don't blame yourself. He might have gone downhill even in a better hospital tank. I know Haiku was really starting to look better, then suddenly took an abrupt turn for the worse within a few hours, just like your little guy.

Swim free in Heaven where all the special pets go Alexi