ulcers on my JD

[Taboojen]

I just noticed that my Jack Dempsey has been developing some ulcers on the area around his snout - (btw his eyes) and head and appear to be spreading. I've been doing water changes and using metafix for the last 2 weeks but it does not appear to be getting better.

He is still active and has a healthy appetite. His Color has not faded either. Anyone have any idea what this is? Any info would be appreciated. Anything in particular i can do to cure it?

 

[guppy]

Are the ulcers shallow and pale, it might be HITH. Clean water, good diet, no charcoal in the filter and metronidazole baths can help.

 

[Taboojen]

Are the ulcers shallow and pale, it might be HITH. Clean water, good diet, no charcoal in the filter and metronidazole baths can help.

Yes the ulcers are relatively shallow and pale grey. Almost looks like something is eatting away at the flesh. I was told by someone that HITH consisted of little pinhole type holes? Is that true? I could be wrong.

Hmmm I'll remove the carbon then. I put in a new batch after my attmepts with some medication. Is there a reason why carbon/charcoal is bad?

 

[guppy]

Hith starts as pinholes at the sensory pits but spreads, 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water also is supposed to help prevent it's spread by improving the slime coat. t is very common among larger cichlids. these pics come from www.flippersandfins.net
There is some debate as to why charcoal accalerates HITH but it is observed that it does.

 

[DeLgAdO]

Hith starts as pinholes at the sensory pits but spreads, 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water also is supposed to help prevent it's spread by improving the slime coat. t is very common among larger cichlids. these pics come fromwww.flippersandfins.net
There is some debate as to why charcoal accalerates HITH but it is observed that it does.

WHAT THE HELL?????????

 

[BostonPatriot]

Man guppy those look awful. I would be tempted to give my fish that plastic bag treatment if they looked like that and start over!

 

[guppy]

Me too.

 

[mainy999]

Thats nasty. I hope that never happens to my Oscar. He's my pride and joy.

 

[puffer_girl]

Does it continue to spread if problem is resolved?! I've heard that the damage that is done is rarely reversible.....

 

[guppy]

Once cured the lesions slowly heal. the sooner it is caught, the more completely the fish will recover. The fish in the advanced cases above will probably never recover their normal colors at the wounds and will certainly never regrow scales there. The fish withthe single pit will regain color but might have a scar. Recovery is slow.