Broken Jaw Silver

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OSH

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 1, 2007
14
0
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Charlotte, NC
Hi folks, new to the forum but not to keeping bigger fish. I've looked in here from time to time to find answers to specific questions before, but never taken part in the forum untill now. Here's my situation.

I've got a silver arrow, about 22 inches long who just busted his jaw on a piece of driftwood. Sometime while I was away at work, he must have heard something (neighbors down the street, gunfire, something) that made him skittish and pop! The break is at one of the two lobes at the tip of the jaw, and a sizeable chunk of it is hanging out from the wound. Small visible signs of blood seepage, but no free bleeding. It looks as if one more solid blow, or him rubbing too much at it might cause it to crack down the length of his jaw. I've treated his tank with melafix at full strength trying to sooth him, but he's still very agitated. Anything else anyone might suggest? If there's such a thing as fish sedative, I'd pull him out and pin the break with a surgical needle.

I cannot get a picture of the injury without further stressing him. He hides his wound behind his pleco friends when I approach the tank.

Worst case. What's the most painless way to euthanize a 22 inch fish, if it comes to that? What more can I do to prevent it from being needed?
 
OSH;637086; said:
Hi folks, new to the forum but not to keeping bigger fish. I've looked in here from time to time to find answers to specific questions before, but never taken part in the forum untill now. Here's my situation.

I've got a silver arrow, about 22 inches long who just busted his jaw on a piece of driftwood. Sometime while I was away at work, he must have heard something (neighbors down the street, gunfire, something) that made him skittish and pop! The break is at one of the two lobes at the tip of the jaw, and a sizeable chunk of it is hanging out from the wound. Small visible signs of blood seepage, but no free bleeding. It looks as if one more solid blow, or him rubbing too much at it might cause it to crack down the length of his jaw. I've treated his tank with melafix at full strength trying to sooth him, but he's still very agitated. Anything else anyone might suggest? If there's such a thing as fish sedative, I'd pull him out and pin the break with a surgical needle.

I cannot get a picture of the injury without further stressing him. He hides his wound behind his pleco friends when I approach the tank.

Worst case. What's the most painless way to euthanize a 22 inch fish, if it comes to that? What more can I do to prevent it from being needed?
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I would do a water change 30% {mildly add aquarium salt} about half the amount reccomended.. salt does help them relax and fights infections incase one is starting.. poor guy..i wish you the best.
 
That sucks, I hope he makes it.
 
Worst case. What's the most painless way to euthanize a 22 inch fish, if it comes to that? What more can I do to prevent it from being needed?
Click to expand...

Sorry to here that really sucks. Sounds like your doing everything you can, I would add aquarium salt at about 1 heeping tbs per 5 gallons may help fight off infection.

Worst case - Knock it out with Transmore then freeze until garbage day.

Hope he gets better.
 
Might cost you a few bucks but maybe a local vet could reccomend a vet that treats fish. Then he could help your aro. Good luck with him.
 
So far the advice sounds solid and I cant really add anything else except for welcome, goodluck, and keep us updated.

I'll look into the methods of sedating fish a little more. I know it's possible. Anythingfish on this forum has done surgery on a RTC this way.
 
In an article published in August 2005 issue of Tropical Fish Hobbyist, they refered to using clove oilto knock out a fish. They used one drop clove oil per cup of water. This was done on a 4" puffer so it's teeth could be trimmed. Also stated that clove oil can be used as a painless way to euthanize a fish.

The clove oil took about a minute to work, they then clipped the teeth and put back into fresh water as soon as possible. This may be worth a shot for your aro if ya can figue the right dosage of the clove oil'

Good luck with this, wish I could tell you more.
 
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