ulcers on my JD

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
You beat me to it guppy! LOL, yeah, I agree, you are most likely dealing with "Hole in the head disease" also known as Hexamita or Octomitus. The holes start off as "pin-holes" but do get bigger, and can spead pretty quickly if not treated early. This disease mainly affects Cichlids, particularly Oscars and Discus', but can also affect Gouramies, and has the potential to affect many others. The disease is linked with the protozoan parasite Hexamita (hense the name). It can often be present in low numbers of fish, with no adverse symptoms, but a severe infection typically doesn't occur unless other factors like poor water quality, and a lacking diet play a role. In the advanced stages, your fish may stop eating, and become hollow-bellied. This can further complicate recovery, as without proper nutrients, the bodily functions weaken, and can eventually cease all together, Including the immune system, therefore allowing the disease to progress at a rapid speed. As far as treatments go, I agree with guppy on isolating the infected fish(es), and treating with Metronidazole. You can also use Dimetridazole (5mg/litre). In some places, you can only get these with a vet perscription, however, in other places, you can find them online, or in any large aquatic store. You may want to repeat the treatment a few days apart, and like guppy said, continue to do 20-30% water changes, as virtually all meds lower water quality (something you can't afford right now). You also have the option of using medicated food, but if your fish are not eating well, this will be a waste of time, and stress.

I do not believe this diesease is irreversable if treated early enough. If ignored, or mis-diagnosed though, it can become fatal, and therefore "irreversable" lol, but you know whats going on, and you are treating it, so fatalities should not be a worry of yours right now. Just make sure you keep the tank clean, monitor your parameters daily, and watch for any changes good or bad. I also agree to use live earthworms during the treatment. They are rich in nutrients. Good luck.

--EMI
 
I know, those were really severe cases. Who ever was responsible for allowing the advance, should not be allowed to care for fish. That's just cruel! Sad thing is though, that sometimes marine scientists do this on purpose - they have to track the stages and symptoms to better understand the disease. If that was the case, it's sad for the little guys, but overall, the benefit for future victims is higher than the loss of those few. But if those were pics from a private owner - shame on them!! Guppy, does it say who donated the pics on that website??

--EMI
 
No attributation for the advanced cases, just first names on the the first 2 pics, here is a picture of the fish with the single lesion a few weeks later after being treated with clean water, metronidazole, and Oscarshow vitamins.

HITHPic9.jpg
 
i done a good amount of research on hith all the info posted is great imo and many others hith is started by internal parasites (nematodes round worms ect) these parasites often go unnoticed in chichlids because of their mood swings going off eating eating a lot.The prob is they get treated with vitamines parasites feed on the vitamines because most times this is the often thought problem bad nutriution well it usally is and the parasites in most cases cause it treat with medicated food or gel supplement get some vitamine additves and make sure your water isn't high in nitrates this can also add to hith and slow the healing
 
At least that guy is doing better. Sheesh, I can't believe someone would take it that far. But I am guessing they anticipated backfire, and that is why they are left annon.

--EMI
 
Thanks everyone for all the info and help! :) Thank goodness my JD hasn't progressed nearly that far. Yeah that pic gave me <shudders> :WHOA: He only has a few shallow ulcers near his snout / forehead area. I've already did water change as suggest and have added a bit of salt. All carbon is now removed.

Hopefully, it won't get any worst. I'll keep ya guys posted on the his process!
 
I really would treat with the metro, hith is stubborn.
 
Yes.. i agree with you and think it'd be wise to treat with something as to expedite the recovery.

hmm I remember looking earlier this week and didn't see Metronidazole or Dimetridazole at the two of the LFS. They had some other meds that purport to treating HITH and other dieases... but are those any good?

I'd prefer to get it at the LFS so I can use it right away, but if those other meds aren't good/useful, I'll try to order the Metronidazole or Dimetridazole online.

Thanks!
 
Taboojen, read the ingredients on the labels, many anti-parasite meds contain it, especially those made for discus. It is also sometimes sold as Fish Zole, Flagyl, and Emtryl.
 
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