Posted by Netti on March 01, 2003 at 16:31:20:
In Reply to: wound on catfish posted by amuck10 on February 28, 2003 at 17:41:12:
Sounds like just what you suspect - a bruise. They always seem to look worse on people before they get worse so perhaps the same goes for fish! If this is all under the skin I doubt there is much you can do to treat anyway, perhaps if you can catch the fish and apply some arnica gel, with vaseline over the top to waterproof it, that might bring the bruising and swelling down but the stress of handling the fish might not be worth it for such a small injury. Keep a close eye on it tho, as I've seen problems in dogs where they are struck by a blunt object and it cause tears UNDER the skin. Depends on the severity but sometimes they need surgical treatment. Doesn't sound that bad in your case tho! Also be careful in case it turns into an abcess, in which case incising and antibiotics might be needed. Hope all heals well.
