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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/19/2009 2:47:28 AM
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Hello. About two nights ago I discovered my F8 was having a buoyancy issue. The lowest portion of his belly kept pulling him upwards, tail first. I have had this Puffer for at least 7yrs. I tried burping him but it is appearant that the gas is trapped in his lower intestinal tract. I skipped feeding him for two days but went ahead and fed him a little last night. He is more than happy to eat but is having a great deal of difficulty keeping himself from floating to the top of the tank.
I have seen this present in two other older Puffers in my care. The symptom was the same -- the sudden development of a floating rump. "Burping" did not help in either of the cases as the gas bubble also appeared to be in the lower intestines. The two other Puffers died within 24 hours of becoming symptomatic. One was an adult brackishT.biocellatus, the other was an adult freshwater T.miurus. Both had been in my care for over 5 years. Right before they died the gas dissipated and they were able to swim normally. Unfortunately, they literally dropped dead within hours of what appeared to be their "recovery". I took a brief look inside the T.miurus and the most notable observation was the presence of sludge in the digestive tract even though it had been over 1wk since its last meal.
Any thoughts as to what the cause of the problem might be? Bacterial infection of the digestive tract?
Assistance is greatly appreciated.
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/19/2009 2:47:28 AM
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| The Puffer is still hanging on though obviously very stressed. His lower body is still bloated causing him buoyancy issues.
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Group: Moderators
Last Login: 10/24/2009 6:22:06 PM
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| Have you tried giving metronidazole - could be intestinal protozoans/infection? What was the last meal ingested? Might consider placing in a vented plastic critter cage and weight it to the bottom to keep the puffer submerged and hopefully decrease the stress of fighting to stay down. Best of luck.
Kelly
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/19/2009 2:47:28 AM
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Hi Kelly,
It doesn't appear to be intestinal as I first thought. I believe it is his swim bladder instead. He's a smart little guy though and takes to wedging himself in so he doesn't float. Things are starting to take a toll on him though and he is getting weak.
I treated him with Furan-2 (Nitrofurazone and Furazolidone). It had no effect. I am now on day 8 of Erythromycin and he is showing no improvement.
Do you have any recommendations for the next course of treatment. I have been looking at National Fish Pharmaceuticals' "TMP Sulfa" (Trimethoprim and Sulfathiazole Sodium) but I do not know if Trimethoprim is safe for Puffers. They also make "Sulfa 4 TMP" (four unspecified Sulfa drugs and Trimethoprim). If either are acceptable I can order some.
I currently have several other antibiotics on hand including liquid Neomycin.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/19/2009 2:47:28 AM
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I tried to edit the above post when I realized I did not answer your questions. The board would not allow it so I will post the answers here.
I have not tried Metronidazole/Flagyl but I believe I have some on hand if you think it would be worth a try.
The Puffer last ate 06/09/08 late Tuesday night. The resulting poo appeared normal.
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Group: Moderators
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| How long did you treat with nitrofurazone? I have no experience with treating brackish water puffers. With that being said, if this was my puffer, I might consider trying kanamycin or enrofloxacin or doxycycline? Anyone out there with some brackish experience that could offer some advice? Please keep us updated.
Kelly
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Group: Forum Members
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The Nitrofurazone treatment lasted 8 days. (I normally do antibiotics for 10 consecutive days but stopped a couple of days early on this one).
The next treatment was a complete 10-day course of Erythromycin. During the last couple of days of Erythromycin treatment the swelling increased so much that the Puffers spines were sticking out. I don't know if this is because the swim bladder has enlarged even more or if the Puffer is now suffering from edema in addition to the swim bladder problem. (The positive buoyancy does not appear to have worsened).
The Puffer has grown more adept at keeping himself from floating… sometimes by lodging himself under or against the decor of his hospital tank… other times by striking the perfect balancing act with coordinating fin movement.
If you judged his health solely on his appetite you'd think he was perfectly fine.
I will look into the other medications you mentioned.
Thanks.
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Group: Moderators
Last Login: 10/24/2009 6:22:06 PM
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With the swelling, have to consider possible kidney issues....
Kelly
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