sick dojo

[deacaro]

I purchased five dojos from my LFS about three weeks ago and have lost two already, one was very sick when I purchased him but I didn't have the heart to leave him there to die (and it was apparent the LFS had no intention of doing anything to try and help him. Two of the other dojos had what appeared to be a puncture wound on one side of their faces. Since that time, one of the dojos has died and the other looks as though his face is being eaten away. It was suggested to me by the LFSA that it might be parasitic so I treated with first Hexamit (sine that's all I had at the time) and then Parasite Clear but to no avail. The area then developed a white cottony affect which I was told was either columnaris or a fungus so I treated him with Fungus Clear which I was told by the LFS should clear up both. The white growth is gone but the little guy had holes in his face and it appears to be getting worse. The only thing left to try is an anti-bacterial so I have him in a hospital tank treating him with Kanacyn, hoping this will clear up the infection. I have been a nurse for years and have never seen such difficulty in diagnosing and treating fish disease. Please help! I want to save this little guy but I am at a loss on what else to try. I have added aquarium salt and Melafix to the tank as well. pH 6.4, temp 72 F, ammo 0, nitrites 0, soft water, set up 1 month with Bio-Spira, tank size 20h with 3 other dojo tankmates. Everyone else is fine and has been since I purchased them. This little guy had quit eating, probably because most of his mouth has been eaten away by this mystery illness. Please help! No one can seem to figure out what this illness is, but I have since seen several dojos at the LFS with the same condition!

 

[ryan]

oh no the poor little guy i'm afraid i can't help but i hope he gets better soon

 

[Cian McLiam]

Sorry but I dont know what this is, it does sound like Hex (hole in the head, head and lateral line erosion). This can a very difficult disease to treat but metronidazole and dimetridazole are the most recommended treatments, can you find out if Hexamit has these ingriedients? Its only available from a vet over here.
Try to find medicating food for hex also as treatment via food and water is the best course of action. Some salt will help with the fungus and I have used Melafix for bacteria with many treatments with no ill affects, but I wouldnt keep switching treatments, you will have to settle for one type of treatment only as chemicla warfare on the poor fish will make things worse for everyone in the tank.

Ken

 

[deacaro]

Thanks to you guys for your replies and condolences. I have the little guy in a 10-gallon hospital tank for the treatment and so far he's hangin in there. I will continue the Kanacyn for the recommended treatment of 1 cap for ten gallons every other day for five days. After completion of this treatment if I don't see any improvement, I may try the Hexamit again. I have completed the recommended dosing on each other meds before going on to try something different. The guy at the LFS said he thought it might be hole-in-the head as well but I didn't think this parasitic condition caused the "eating away" of flesh...just a "hole" that doesn't go away. The bottom part of his little face is literally missing. The wholes on the side of his face you can actually see through...it is horrible! Anyone have any experience with this disease? I know it is common in Oscars but I have never heard of it in loaches. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again to those who responded!