Puffer With Swollen Spot By His Mouth?

[KING]

some of you have followed as ive tried to save a small porcupine with ick, he was hospitalized with a safe dose of copper, after a week most of his ick was gone and was eating small silversides and slivers of shrimp i cut. i have to put the food to his mouth with tongs and he eats it, he doesnt really know what to do if you just throw it in there lol. anyway its been doing good but is shy and likes to chill in one of his caves, today when i was feeding him i noticed a swollen spot next to his mouth. there is no laceration, damage, or signs of parasite/illness. just about a 1/4" round "bump". i did a water change in the tank last night which would lower the copper level a little bit but that shouldnt be an issue. i put a dose of melafix in the tank. figured i would let that set in tonight and put some vita-chem in there tomorrow, try to get his immune system stronger. wondering if anyone had any other advice?

 

[robert]

I have read online that puffers can get lockjaw from lack of iodine in their diet - thyroid disorder. Search "porcupine puffer" iodine thyroid.
It seems odd - because I always think of seafood as being an abundant source of iodine - but the recommendation is here: PufferFdgFAQs<Try dosing w/iodine, 1 drop/2gal, mix in water before adding to tank. Treat for 2-4 weeks.>