I got a dwarf puffer from petsmart the other day and as is standard with petsmart's DP's it has a sunken in belly and I'm sure its from internal parasites. So what do I need to use to treat it?
treating internal parasites
- Thread starter fballguy
- Start date
ahh, the old dp's with IP's. It's really common as you'll see in the Hospital section of dwarfpuffers.com. Here's what I did. I bought some Gel-Tek Ultra Cure PX. It's a food you're supposed to give straight into the water and fish are supposed to go straight for it because it's got yummy attractants. BUT, you know dp's won't go for that 
So, I just soak their regular food (frozen worms, live worms, snails, whatever) in it for a few minutes and then feed it to them.
If he's really bad off and won't eat, then you could try an IP med that's added directly to the water. But those are less effective, as they don't really medicate the source of the problem, in thier guts.
Good luck!
So, I just soak their regular food (frozen worms, live worms, snails, whatever) in it for a few minutes and then feed it to them. If he's really bad off and won't eat, then you could try an IP med that's added directly to the water. But those are less effective, as they don't really medicate the source of the problem, in thier guts.
Good luck!
i dont like using meds if not needed. i would just do what plah suggest, but ive also read that feeding them garlic works really well. ive read it in numerous places but luckily havent had to try it yet. its highly suggested by jack wattley for feeding discus because they usually have alot of IP problems. anyways, if plahs method doesnt work, you can try some garlic in thier food. good luck!!!
Its not having any problems with eating. I think I'll give it a few days to see if it fattens up before I treat it.
To properly diagnose parsites you need to either study fecal samples or perform a post mortum diseection. Those are the only sure ways to tell. That will let you know whether you are dealing with protozoans, or nematodes. therapies differ depending upon type of parasite. Metronidazole, Fenbenzadole, and dimetridazole are effective against many flagellates (protozoans). You will achieve the best delivery of these meds orally (through food).
Red, hanging threads can idicate a nematode of one sort or another. Red inflamed anus and vent are two other indicators of this problem. Levamisole Hydrochloride is effective angainst many nematodes. a 24 hour bath at 2mg/L followed by a large volume--at least 50% water change--repeated one week later usually works.
A cautionary step might be considered if you think you have an internal parasite issue.. Feed the fish medicated food. If it is still eating and does have a prasite problem this might be you last best chance of favorably resolving the issue. Metronadizole and praziuantal are not effect bath treatments for internal parasites. External yes. Internal no.
If you wait until the fish stops eating and begins to thin out then you will not be able to gt most meds to the gut of the fish, where the parasites are. Parasite Clear and other generally available products are virtually useless against internal parasite problems.
fecal samples are the best way to figure it out. if you are unable to perform the fecals do any local vets get involved with fish?
Red, hanging threads can idicate a nematode of one sort or another. Red inflamed anus and vent are two other indicators of this problem. Levamisole Hydrochloride is effective angainst many nematodes. a 24 hour bath at 2mg/L followed by a large volume--at least 50% water change--repeated one week later usually works.
A cautionary step might be considered if you think you have an internal parasite issue.. Feed the fish medicated food. If it is still eating and does have a prasite problem this might be you last best chance of favorably resolving the issue. Metronadizole and praziuantal are not effect bath treatments for internal parasites. External yes. Internal no.
If you wait until the fish stops eating and begins to thin out then you will not be able to gt most meds to the gut of the fish, where the parasites are. Parasite Clear and other generally available products are virtually useless against internal parasite problems.
fecal samples are the best way to figure it out. if you are unable to perform the fecals do any local vets get involved with fish?
The DP is fine. I have fed her(i thinnk its a her, still pretty young) a little extra and she is already beginning to fatten up. Poop is normal. Everything looks good!
Yay! Yeah, they don't tend to feed them correctly at Petsmart. I asked the girl there what they were eating (when I bought my dp's) and she said "tropical flakes" :duh: It was probably what they were feeding everybody out of convenience, but I doubt most dp's actually eat them. So a lot of dp's are thin and weak by the time they go home with someone.