Need RTC help!
- Thread starter scubado65
- Start date
In this condition, the gill cover of the cats curl outward, initially involving only the solf part of the cover and later the hard gill cover. If the cause is not removed, condition will get worst, gill will get exposed, causing breathing difficulty and making the gill prone to infection. The end result could be fetal.
[SIZE=+1]Possible Causes[/SIZE][SIZE=+1]Diagnosis[/SIZE][SIZE=+1]Treatment[/SIZE]Small swimming space-Tankof size with length and width shorter then 2.5x and 1x the length of the fish.
-Fish has to "reverse" on turning-Move the fish to a larger tankPoor water condition-Check ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate-Large water change
-Increase dissolved O2(add airstone)
-Increase water current
-message gill cover back(if fish allow)
-operation(if above failed)
When only the soft portionof the gill cover is involve and problem noticed early, conservative management might be possible. However, when the hard portion of the gill cover is involved, the condition is not reversible without surgery. Surgery is done under analgesia. The curled portion of the gill is either trimmed out or multiple pependicular(toward head) cuts is made on it. There is a 3rd hypothesis on the cause of gill curl. Infection of the inner membrane is believed to be the cause in this hypothesis. Infection cause the inner membrane to swell and push the gill to curl outward(just like wetting the sticky side of stamp). More research is needed to prove this hypothesis.
[SIZE=+1]Possible Causes[/SIZE][SIZE=+1]Diagnosis[/SIZE][SIZE=+1]Treatment[/SIZE]Small swimming space-Tankof size with length and width shorter then 2.5x and 1x the length of the fish.
-Fish has to "reverse" on turning-Move the fish to a larger tankPoor water condition-Check ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate-Large water change
-Increase dissolved O2(add airstone)
-Increase water current
-message gill cover back(if fish allow)
-operation(if above failed)
When only the soft portionof the gill cover is involve and problem noticed early, conservative management might be possible. However, when the hard portion of the gill cover is involved, the condition is not reversible without surgery. Surgery is done under analgesia. The curled portion of the gill is either trimmed out or multiple pependicular(toward head) cuts is made on it. There is a 3rd hypothesis on the cause of gill curl. Infection of the inner membrane is believed to be the cause in this hypothesis. Infection cause the inner membrane to swell and push the gill to curl outward(just like wetting the sticky side of stamp). More research is needed to prove this hypothesis.
I have four large airstones powered by two large Whisper deep water air pumps. There is also plenty of water movement as well. The gill curl has been there for a long time, didn't know it was a sign of something. It seems his main problem is boyancy, maybe something with his swim bladder?
I think you are correct about the swim bladder being the problem. I had no luck using a medicated feed called medi koi a very good multi ingredient product which kills bacteria and fungus. Unfortunately the fish stopped eating even after an adequate dose of the meds and continued to deteriorate and struggled to get off the bottom. This rtc lived alone in optimal water conditions and was never feed live foods. Ultimately I had to euthenize it. Hopefully you will have a better outcome.
Well, after monitoring my RTC for a few days, I think I'm going to have to euthenize him
. I could use some suggestions on a best method, at 21" he's a little big to flush
. I have used the freezer method in the past with smaller fish, but haven't had to do this with this large of fish before.
. I could use some suggestions on a best method, at 21" he's a little big to flush. I have used the freezer method in the past with smaller fish, but haven't had to do this with this large of fish before.This may sound bad but try to make it regurgitate...sounds like it is having trouble with some accidentally swallowed rocks or maybe even a tank ornament. Don't kill it just yet!
You have a beautiful fish and I would hate to see it go like this. Im willing to bet its something it has eaten. 
You have a beautiful fish and I would hate to see it go like this. Im willing to bet its something it has eaten. My wife talked me into waiting a couple more days. There's nothing in the tank that he could eat, I would also be able to tell if his stomach was too big. He's still coming to the surface for food, but still not as agressive as usual.
Try raising and lowering temps
A 30% water change
Adding a little aquarium salt
Feeding it a new food
If that doesnt work either your fish is sick or is depressed.
I hope for the best for you and your fish on this one.
A 30% water change
Adding a little aquarium salt
Feeding it a new food
If that doesnt work either your fish is sick or is depressed.
I hope for the best for you and your fish on this one.
