Bolivian Ram now with Hole-in-the-Head

[Jannika]

My poor Bo was very thin and weak after the Camallanus worm infestation and subsequent bacterial infection, so I've been feeding him mostly hi-protein Ocean Nutrition, which he loves. This stuff smells like fresh seafood, exactly what it is. Anyway, I thought we'd turned the corner. He no longer has clamped fins or bottom-sits constantly, he eats and has put on weight. However, I believe his weakened state has brought on Hole in the Head. You can see the pus-filled sensory pores and a rather alarming hole developing. So big that his golden eye grommet is shining through.




I got some Metro+ powder which only had instructions for adding it to the water. This med must be eaten to work properly though. Companies should be aware of that, but perhaps would sell only a fraction of the product. That's another rant for another day, however, as I did find ratios for food mixing on their website. The instructions called for mixing the Metro with 90% grain alcohol, adding the food, and then waiting for the booze to evaporate before feeding.

My cynical question is, are they trying to make it as unpalatable as possible? Or can I mix the med with a little water, some garlic oil, and coat the food that way? Any other tips on dealing with this are welcomed as well!

 

[Manafel]

I have no experience with the medication, have you tried making a gelatin food with it? I'm sorry to hear that you are having these issues. In my experience, frequent water changes and clean water are the best medicines that a fish can get, especially for HITH. Feeding high protein foods will foul up the water pretty quick. Hope things get better

Sent from my PC36100 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[Jannika]

Hi Kayla
No I don't think he would eat the gel, he's kinda picky. I mixed a little batch with the garlic and now waiting for it to dry. Water changes are 50% twice weekly, 0, 0, 10. He's amazingly tough so hopefully he'll lick this too.

 

[Manafel]

I hate it when fish are picky about what they eat Are you positive it's HITH/lateral line erosion? Have you added aquarium salt? I have heard that increasing salinity in the tank could help the healing process, but I haven't dealt with HITH myself though, so I could be considered a poor reference hope someone else can come in and chime up about it.

 

[Jannika]

I may try some salt but I'll have to move a frog first. He's been eating the garlic/Metro pellets, and I'm soaking some more in Wild Turkey whiskey. Don't know if that's grain alcohol but it was between that, Jagermeister, or tequila. We'll see how he likes it.

 

[Manafel]

Lol be careful, not sure how the feds would appreciate you giving booze to a minor! I'm glad to hear that he will eat the medicate food

Sent from my PC36100 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[Jannika]

Bo isn't digging the Wild Turkey. He tried one and spit it out immediately. LOL

 

[Jannika]

Is it me, or has the main hole gotten smaller already?

 

[excuzzzeme]

Do not add salt. That achieves nothing. Salt is only effective on parasitic infections, not all but most. Metro CAN be added directly to the water and will work. A medicated food is always the best option but not always possible. Metronidazole is the preferred antibiotic to use in case of true HITH/LLE. Being preferred does not mean that is an absolute but most cases have responded to it well. It is my first choice when treating for it. General Cure, is think is a aqueous preparation of Metro and some other antibiotics and also works. Have heard good reports on it's use with HITH.

 

[Jannika]

I'm not sure what's going on with his mug, but since it coincides with improved appetite, activity level and overall health, I'm marking it as "progress".