Severe constipation

[suzie]

One of my bristlenose plecs has become constipated, so much so that she swelling and trailing 5-6 inches of poo behind her. This happened once before and my LFS told me vitamin drops is the only thing that can be done, it didn't work and he died now it's happening again has anyone got any quick remidies?

 

[black angel]

the good old pea is good for fish constipation. boil a frozen one, shell it and squash it a bit then drop it in. the catfish should find it. do this for 3 days and see if this helps. plecs also like lightly boiled lettuce and cucumber.

 

[suzie]

Thanks, all I've been giving them is tetra waffers, I take it that diet is the main cause? Are there any medications apart from vitamin drops available?

 

[black angel]

no theres no meds for constipation. before trying the peas give him no food for 24 hours then feed a pea. try to vary his diet a bit too, they like most things that are green and zuchini lightly boiled is a fav too.

 

[suzie]

Can other medications for white spot or fin rot cause constipation?

 

[WILDER]

Try peas and daphnia.

 

[suzie]

Dude, at the risk of sounding thick, wots daphnia

 

[WILDER]

It's a water flea and it's a good food in their diet as it helps the fish digest there food.

 

[gaya]

I've heard b4 that if you turn up the temp a bit it will get "things" moving.

 

[WILDER]

Also yes they need a good balance diet with veg and frozen bloodworms etc, as to many dry foods can also cause swim bladder.

 

[blue_ram]

Can other medications for white spot or fin rot cause constipation?

I have a feeling that it's not a constipation. Does your fish look like this?

 

[suzie]

Not really, all of the swelling is restricted to the abdomen, there's no sideways swelling it just sticks out (or down depending how you look at it!)

 

[WILDER]

Scales are not sticking out like a pinecomb are they.