Any experienced Oscar Keepers?

[I_Talk_2_Fish]

I have a medium sized Oscar I obtained back in the late spring / early summer. He has lost weight but was still eating. A few weeks ago I started noticing a lump on one side of his belly and tried doing as much research as I could. Oh my stars the "what it could be's" out there!

Water changes, meds, white cloudy poop, leading me to believe it might be internal parasites, 2 doses of PraziPro, made medicated food but now he isn't eating, not even the worm I offered him yesterday.

Last night I put Epsom salt in his tank and doing a 50% water change right now.

I am prepared to sedate him with clove oil and possibly get the magnesium down via force feeding and wondered if it could be done in his tank since it is at about 1/2 it's normal volume... Then fill tank back up and drain a few times to clear it out of the water.

 

[I_Talk_2_Fish]

I forgot to add that I would greatly appreciate a chat with anyone who is experienced with Oscars to help me with this dilemma before it has to come to the point of euthanizing him or waking up and finding him dead...

 

[Matteus]

Hi. Welcome to mfk

Personally I think it would be a better idea to dose with clove oil in a bucket or Rubbermaid container rather than in your tank. Seems pretty risky imo.

Go_redfish Jexnell may have some more insights.

 

[Jexnell]

I am not well versed in treatment of illness. Knock on wood, my fish have been in great health and have not had to deal with treating a fish this sick. I think kno4te @RD duanes can help you out better. Best of luck to your Oscar.

 

[Go_redfish]

Do not put clove oil in your tank. Always administer sedation in seperate container.

Sounds like an impaction and infection. I see this with goldfish kept in gravel or coarse sand substrate. I would imagine oscars to be at less risk though since they are top and mid water feeders. Can you post pics?

 

[kno4te]

Would suggest at this time to post Water parameters. Post pictures.Also what a change schedule. Continue with the Epsom salts. And hold off on the cold weather this time. How does the poop look?

 

[kno4te]

Also what’s the oscars diet?

 

[I_Talk_2_Fish]

Thanks for the replies!

Ok, won't put C O in tank

Parameters are
Amm 0
Trites 0
Trates 20 (to 40 usually) after today's water change. Have been battling high nitrates forever and have taken a few steps to fight it, waiting for the Matrix to kick in.
dosing regularly w Prime as it comes out of the tap at 20ppm
ph is mid to high range

Will gets pics ASAP, going out to shovel 2" of snow, yuck!

 

[I_Talk_2_Fish]

Got a few real quick... Couldn't get a good angle' will try again

 

[I_Talk_2_Fish]

Hope these help! Couldn't get a good shot of his left side