Bacterial Infection

AydenLincoln · Jul 16, 2023

I had hoped Hewbie would have looked better now since dosing First Defense and his food soak. I now think it looks worse and is bacterial. I just ordered this on Amazon. But he doesn’t go near rocks or really under them and he does glass surf so I have ruled out the possibility of the rocks injuring him. Out of this pack what should I dose? Will it negatively affect the other fish and is it okay with cooper?

blaxsun · Jul 16, 2023

I would also look at supplementing food with selcon after this is all behind you.

AydenLincoln · Jul 16, 2023

blaxsun said:
I would also look at supplementing food with selcon after this is all behind you.

I already do this too!

Phlynamjax · Jul 16, 2023

It doesn't look all that serious imo. I would just keep water crystal clean and keep him well fed.

AydenLincoln · Jul 16, 2023

Phlynamjax said:
It doesn't look all that serious imo. I would just keep water crystal clean and keep him well fed.

It definitely has gotten worse and I don’t want it to get so bad that he dies from it. As mentioned unfortunately he likes to rub up against the glass which is a very typical puffer thing to do which doesn’t help it heal!

Phlynamjax · Jul 16, 2023

There is no proof that first defense does anything. And soaking food will have minimal impact because achiving the proper dosage in food is near impossible for hobbist. Why dose something when we don't even know what your puffer has? If you are worried about infection, you should consider more proven antibiotics.

ISpeakForTheSeas · Jul 16, 2023

#fishmedic

Lbrdsoxfan · Jul 16, 2023

Phlynamjax said:
It doesn't look all that serious imo. I would just keep water crystal clean and keep him well fed.

This. Looks like lympho to me. The pros will step in @ somepoint with a better eye.

Phlynamjax · Jul 16, 2023

Looks like a cut. So layer underneath skin is exposed. I would personally just let it heal, but should consider well known antibiotics if you want to treat it.

AydenLincoln · Jul 16, 2023

To add to this so I’ve had him since February and notice he always has had a little spot there but over the past few weeks it’s gotten a lot worse! You can’t really see but I’ve noticed it. I’d also like to add it was suggested the rocks could be the cause but he really doesn’t go in and out of the rocks or touch them unless a piece of food falls into one.

Sharkbait19 · Jul 16, 2023

Has the fish injured itself at all in the area? It does look like damage from rubbing or bumping into something. You’re going to want to treat with an antibacterial like kanaplex.
I don’t know about puffer susceptibility to lympho, and I’m not so sure that is what is happening here.

AydenLincoln · Jul 16, 2023

Sharkbait19 said:
Has the fish injured itself at all in the area? It does look like damage from rubbing or bumping into something. You’re going to want to treat with an antibacterial like kanaplex.
I don’t know about puffer susceptibility to lympho, and I’m not so sure that is what is happening here.

Will do. Also someone suggested a tumor or growth. Which I find is interesting I didn’t know fish could get them it does make sense but I don’t think that’s what this is but as mentioned he has always had a little spot. Well other than him rubbing up against the glass.

AydenLincoln · Jul 16, 2023

@Jay Hemdal @vetteguy53081

AydenLincoln · Jul 17, 2023

I’m just adding to the list of issues/what I keep forgetting. I’ve also noticed he has had a bit of rectal prolapse and if it matters I’m treating the tank and the fish for ich with cooper.

Icryhard · Jul 17, 2023

Phlynamjax said:
There is no proof that first defense does anything. And soaking food will have minimal impact because achiving the proper dosage in food is near impossible for hobbist. Why dose something when we don't even know what your puffer has? If you are worried about infection, you should consider more proven antibiotics.

Soaking food is to attract it to eat and regardless of us not being able to achieve the correct amount of dosing: I’d say it’s better to dose then not to. He’ll take it in and that’s what it’s about imo. Should it be your primary remedie? No. Should you not dose it “because we can’t achieve the desired amount”? I don’t agree with that.

Sharkbait19 · Jul 17, 2023

Puffers can be sensitive to copper (though it wouldn’t present like this). What copper are you using?
Also worth noting is that dosing directly to the tank isn’t the best idea, as copper is absorbed by rock and sand (lowering the concentration in the water) and then slowly released after dosing.

AydenLincoln · Jul 17, 2023

Sharkbait19 said:
Puffers can be sensitive to copper (though it wouldn’t present like this). What copper are you using?
Also worth noting is that dosing directly to the tank isn’t the best idea, as copper is absorbed by rock and sand (lowering the concentration in the water) and then slowly released after dosing.

I know it’s only because I don’t want to pull everyone again and feel bad when I do. I’ve been monitoring closely. And CopperSafe.

vetteguy53081 · Jul 17, 2023

AydenLincoln said:
@Jay Hemdal @vetteguy53081

Looks like post-injury infection and maracyn 2 or Seachem Neoplex will be best bets in a quarantine setting. You can also use Ruby rally Pro in tank but will take a little longer to work