Posted by Netti on February 15, 2003 at 13:00:26:
Hi there everyine. I've been keeping fish for about 8 years now, and have the 25 years experience of my dad to help out when I need it, but we're both stumped on this one, hoping you guys will be able to help.
The problem is this - I have a Spotted Talking Cat around a year old, he shares his tank with another spotted, a few pencilfish, harlequins, a couple of angelfish and a Plec called Magic - my first fish. The tank is 36"x15"x24" and filtered externally, pH was around 7.5, which is higher than it should be for the pencils, etc so I'm working on lowering that using peat filtered water, nitrite and ammonia 0 and nitrate below 30 ppm. It has a few ceramic pipes for the talking cats and plants are planted in black quartz gravel in pots (coz Magic uproots em if they're not potted). In one of these pots I had various Amazon Swords planted. It is primarily these and onion bulbs and Nymphea lillies I use. So "Spike" the spotted talker in question, decided to take up residdence in one of these pots and managed to excavate himself a little "cave" under the leaf of an Amazon Sword. Problem is, he dug down to the roots and got caught in them pretty bad. I had to remove both him and the plant to free him, carefully cutting away the roots with small scissors. Suffice to say, all Amazon Swords were promptly removed! I managed to get all of the roots off him fairly easily but it seems he has been stuck a while, as he has pretty much no pectoral fin rays left, just the leading ray and has rubbed his mouth and barbels sore. He also has some damage to his belly and anal fins, but what is worrying me most is that his tail up to about half way to his dorsal fin has rotted and become very white. Not a fungus and I don't think velvet, more like some one has dipped him in course white sand, only it is not spots, just a blanket covering. I am doubtful that this has been caused by his accident but it does look like an abbrasion. I have him isolated in his own small tank with a slate cave and a pipe so I can treat as neccessary, but I wanted your advice on what exactly that treatment should be. I think I am right in saying I must be careful what medications I use because of their skin? These are my first dorids. I've mostly had loricards before. I am hoping with rest, good foods and perfect water Spike's cuts and bruises should heal themselves but I am worried about his tail. Anyone have any thoughts on how to proceed? I will take him to a vet next week if he doesn't improve.
