Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 1:22:43 GMT -5
Swim bladder disease, also called swim bladder disorder or flipover, is a common ailment in aquarium fish. The swim bladder is an internal gas-filled organ that contributes to the ability of a fish to control its buoyancy, and thus to stay at the current water depth without having to waste energy in swimming. A fish with swim bladder disorder can float nose down tail up, or can float to the top or sink to the bottom of the aquarium. There can be many issues affecting the swim bladder, rather than a single disease. Other physical signs such as a distended belly or curved back may also be present. Affected fish may eat normally, or have no appetite at all. If severe buoyancy problems exist, the fish may not be able feed normally or even reach the surface of the water.
Cause
Compression from surrounding organs, such as:
Enlarged stomach from overeating, or gulping too much air
Enlarged intestine, due to constipation
Enlarged liver, generally due to fatty deposits
Enlarged kidney, generally due to cysts
Egg impaction in females
Bacterial or parasitic infection
Mechanical injury from fall or other hard blow
Birth defect
Treatment
•Do not feed for 3 days, then feed skinned peas
•Increase water temp to 80
•Lower the water level to make it easier to reach the surface
•Hand feed during treatment, if needed
•Use broad spectrum antibiotic if indicated
Because an enlarged stomach or intestine is the most common case of Swim Bladder Disorder, the first course of action is to not feed the fish for three days. At the same time increase the water temperature to 80 F and leave it there during the course of treatment. On the fourth day, feed the fish cooked and skinned peas. Frozen peas are ideal for this, as they can be microwaved or boiled for a few seconds to thaw them, resulting in the proper consistency (not too soft but not too firm). Remove the skin, and then serve the pea to the fish. This course of action resolves many cases of Swim Bladder Disorder.
While treating the fish, it often helps to reduce the water level to make it easier for the fish to move around within the tank. In tanks with a strong water current, it will help to reduce water flow while treating the fish. If the affected fish floats with part of its body constantly exposed to the air, applying a bit of stress coat to the exposed area will help avoid development of sores. Hand feeding may be necessary if he fish has significant issues with movement.
If fasting and feeding peas does not relieve the problem, and the fish is having normal bowel movements, the problem is probably not due to an enlarged stomach or constipation. The fish may exhibit signs of infection such as clamped fins, shaking, and lack of appetite. Treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic may help in these cases.
When it is suspected the fish has Swim Bladder Disorder due to a fall or injury, time is the only treatment. Keep the water clean and between 78-80 degrees and add a small amount of aquarium salt to the tank. If the fish does not recover and is unable to eat, the humane resolution may be euthanasia.
(Google pictures used)
Cause
Compression from surrounding organs, such as:
Enlarged stomach from overeating, or gulping too much air
Enlarged intestine, due to constipation
Enlarged liver, generally due to fatty deposits
Enlarged kidney, generally due to cysts
Egg impaction in females
Bacterial or parasitic infection
Mechanical injury from fall or other hard blow
Birth defect
Treatment
•Do not feed for 3 days, then feed skinned peas
•Increase water temp to 80
•Lower the water level to make it easier to reach the surface
•Hand feed during treatment, if needed
•Use broad spectrum antibiotic if indicated
Because an enlarged stomach or intestine is the most common case of Swim Bladder Disorder, the first course of action is to not feed the fish for three days. At the same time increase the water temperature to 80 F and leave it there during the course of treatment. On the fourth day, feed the fish cooked and skinned peas. Frozen peas are ideal for this, as they can be microwaved or boiled for a few seconds to thaw them, resulting in the proper consistency (not too soft but not too firm). Remove the skin, and then serve the pea to the fish. This course of action resolves many cases of Swim Bladder Disorder.
While treating the fish, it often helps to reduce the water level to make it easier for the fish to move around within the tank. In tanks with a strong water current, it will help to reduce water flow while treating the fish. If the affected fish floats with part of its body constantly exposed to the air, applying a bit of stress coat to the exposed area will help avoid development of sores. Hand feeding may be necessary if he fish has significant issues with movement.
If fasting and feeding peas does not relieve the problem, and the fish is having normal bowel movements, the problem is probably not due to an enlarged stomach or constipation. The fish may exhibit signs of infection such as clamped fins, shaking, and lack of appetite. Treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic may help in these cases.
When it is suspected the fish has Swim Bladder Disorder due to a fall or injury, time is the only treatment. Keep the water clean and between 78-80 degrees and add a small amount of aquarium salt to the tank. If the fish does not recover and is unable to eat, the humane resolution may be euthanasia.
(Google pictures used)
