Possibly a cut or gash on Red Tail??

[disasterfullife]

I have noticed that on one side of my Red Tail that it looks almost like a scrap or cut! I'm not sure what to think, is it just a natural color or what? It looks like it is right on his gills so I am pretty concerned. He isn't acting stange or like there is anything wrong, but I'm going to keep my eye on it. I wish I could post a pic, I'll see what I can do to get one. Any words of wisdom?

 

[The-Wolf]

It could very well be a scrape or cut, however it could also be the start of an ulcer.
Like you say keep a close eye on him.

 

[BlueIce]

have you tested your water?

 

[disasterfullife]

No I haven't tested the water, maybe I will try that. How do I know if it is an ulcer? I talked to the guy at the local store and he mentioned that it could be a flesh eating type of problem and to keep an eye on it. Maybe it is just a scrape and will heal. Thanks for that advice, more would be very greatly appreciated!

 

[The-Wolf]

What are ulcers?

An ulcer is defined as a break in the skin extending through all the layers, which fails to heal and is often accompanied by inflammation. The typical skin ulcer has a central area of tissue erosion that may be shallow or deep – in many cases exposing the underlying muscle. Around the edge of the lesion is usually an area of whitish necrotic (dead) tissue and debris, with a large outer zone of inflammation extending into healthy tissue. The scales surrounding the lesion may be raised or infected. Without treatment it gets progressively bigger. In most, but not all, cases they are caused by opportunistic bacteria already in the pond or tank.

Treat all the affected fish

It is often the case that there are many more infected fish than initially thought. It is important that all of those affected are treated at the same time otherwise the untreated fish will in turn get worse as well as acting as a reservoir of infection. This is often the situation where an outbreak of bacterial disease goes on for months, despite continually treating the most obviously affected individuals. To the owner it looks like fresh outbreaks despite his best efforts, when it is really just an ongoing chronic infection.

Aim for a 90% survival rate or higher

I should stress the importance of tackling bacterial diseases such as ulcers in a systematic, thorough way. Simply applying dartboard medication, in which a range of different treatments is tried in succession, is unlikely to work and in all probability will simply make matters worse. When dealing with bacterial ulcers we should be looking for at least a 90% survival rate. If the survival rate is significantly less than this it is most likely due to inappropriate treatment rather than bacterial infection.

HTH

 

[BlueIce]

Test the water...test the water,test the water....should always be at the top of the list when there is something unusual going on....


when is the last time you tested? does it look like a burn?
when was your last water change?

 

[disasterfullife]

I've been watching for the past day and the area in question seems to be getting much better. It has decreased in size and redness. I will defiently keep an eye out and post any other updates. Thank you BlueIce and danio2004 for all the advice!