RandomWiktor
Rabid Betta Activist
Well, for those of you who read my post a while ago, I had a goldfish who developed gill and jaw irregularities as he grew, despite being fed a very good diet and being kept in ideal conditions. I regret to say that, after weeks of declining health, I finally opted to euthanize Bronwin today.
Bronwin was my first fish that I actually saw as an animal. I got him for 29 cents from a feeder tank while staying at college; he was barely an inch long. I quickly found what a spirited, active little guy he was. He loved to chase bubbles in the tank, and would do a happy "wiggle dance" when he thought I was going to feed him.
However, as he grew, I noticed that not only were his gill covers not developing well, but his bottom jaw didn't seem to be growing at all. It became a useless little nub, which made him unable to eat anything but tiny, finely ground flakes and pellets. Still, he persisted, eating almost constantly all day through his small, deformed mouth to keep up with his calories needs. As a result, perhaps, of inadequate nutrition due to his jaw, Bronwin soon developed a kink in his tail, and his growth was rather stunted.
For the past week, Bronwin has been unable to eat. Last night, he began to go into organ failure, which resulted in dropsy. I could tell he was miserable and in pain because he stopped swimming about, and knew it was time. Roughly 1/2 hour ago, Bronwin was expose to a clove oil solution in the comfort of his tank. His gills stopped moving almost instantly and he went over on his side. Two hours from now, I will remove his body and destroy the brain to ensure his suffering is truly over.
Bronwin, and thank you for teaching me that all animals deserve love.
Bronwin was my first fish that I actually saw as an animal. I got him for 29 cents from a feeder tank while staying at college; he was barely an inch long. I quickly found what a spirited, active little guy he was. He loved to chase bubbles in the tank, and would do a happy "wiggle dance" when he thought I was going to feed him.
However, as he grew, I noticed that not only were his gill covers not developing well, but his bottom jaw didn't seem to be growing at all. It became a useless little nub, which made him unable to eat anything but tiny, finely ground flakes and pellets. Still, he persisted, eating almost constantly all day through his small, deformed mouth to keep up with his calories needs. As a result, perhaps, of inadequate nutrition due to his jaw, Bronwin soon developed a kink in his tail, and his growth was rather stunted.
For the past week, Bronwin has been unable to eat. Last night, he began to go into organ failure, which resulted in dropsy. I could tell he was miserable and in pain because he stopped swimming about, and knew it was time. Roughly 1/2 hour ago, Bronwin was expose to a clove oil solution in the comfort of his tank. His gills stopped moving almost instantly and he went over on his side. Two hours from now, I will remove his body and destroy the brain to ensure his suffering is truly over.
Bronwin, and thank you for teaching me that all animals deserve love.
