Is there hope for this Oscar?

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doomiedee

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Nov 13, 2011
5,429
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Waterbury
I got this guy from a neighbor who was moving. They had him in a 20 long for years. I asked how old it was they said 3-4 years old so it's obvious the fish is badly stunted. Is their any hope for him he's got bad burns from a heater on one side and fin rot. Only lord knows what else. ImageUploadedByMonsterAquariaNetwork1361639784.829993.jpgImageUploadedByMonsterAquariaNetwork1361639824.327461.jpg


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It's possible to bring him back to decent health but, he'll likely not reach full size. The biggest challenge is in reversing the development of methemoglobin (nitrite poisoning) and restoring proper healthy hemoglobin cells. Fish do not have marrow to produce new blood cells. Their blood cells are nucleated and self-replicating. Clean well-aerated water will provide the environment for healthy blood cells to develop and overtake the unhealthy cells.
Next challenge is dealing with a lowered immune system. Again clean water and healthy diet will go a long way towards his recovery of a healthy immune system. Avoid supplements and vitamins for, at least, the oncoming year since his organs have been overtaxed and shouldn't be over-stressed by too many new items to regulate and metabolize.
For the next several months, it would be better to offer him multiple small portions of food instead of one or two large portions. This would allow the O the opportunity of regenerating a probably poor-condition and/or atrophied stomach and intestinal system.

Good save. I'm interested in seeing recovery details and pics.
 
Right now he's a 29 waiting for his 40 b to cycle. I'm gunna grow him out in there if it grows any. Even if it reached at least 6" I would be happy. I guess only time will tell.


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color wise he actually looks decent... he should be much better off in 40b ..nice save...:)
 
just a passing thought,,:popcorn: what filter are you cycling?
 
Also very much interested in following developments.

As Phil said, you van still make a great guy out of him :)
 
My old aquaclear 110. It hasn't been used in a while.


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