Discus With Concave Stomach

[jeebus]

Thread says it all. I got a 4" discus with a concave stomach. He looks dented in the center on both sides. It appeared today, and he also stopped eating today.

I had been treating with Formalin and Water Changes, per Dan's strict instructions. I had done three total doses, the third being this morning for what I can only describe as "muddy" skin on two of the other discus (one could be him.. I'm not sure).

So... what is it, and what do I do? HELP.

[jeebus]

My fish is dying bump.

[specialone0812]

its so hard to treat discus when they got sick. i know how you're feeling. hope it will get the recovery day by day.

[jeebus]

Thanks. Come on discus keepers.. What to do, what to do?

[newb]

time will only tell. Im sure Dan gave you the best info...but just make sure your doing water change about 6hrs after your formalin dose. turn up the temperature and maybe add some salt. Good luck...best wishes.

[FuzzyDragon09]

I'm sorry. It sucks having sick fish. :( I'm not a Discus keeper, a Discus expert, or a fish expert for that matter. Just thought I could help by researching, but I've got nothing.

Apparently sunken stomach is a sign of fish Tuberculosis (really hard to treat- with 40grams of streptomycin and isoniazid though some say it may be possible with Kanamycin?) but there would be scale loss, color loss, lesions, and even curving of the spine. It could also be internal parasites but then there would be white poo. Formalin will not help if it's internal. Only for external parasites. Btw I read that at higher temperatures the toxicity of Formalin increases at which point the concentration should be reduced (it didn't say much more than that). And that Formalin chemically removes oxygen from the water. Oh and if it's TB, increasing the temp. will make it worse. Sorry I couldn't help more. I tried.

I dunno. I would stick with the treatment you are using and hopefully someone more experienced will reply tomorrow.

[jeebus]

Thanks for the replies. I'll just have to see how he's doing in the morning and possibly call Dan.

[newb]

beware...his bluntness is meant with the best of intentions!!!

[eklikewhoa]

I would try and treat for internal parasites and make sure oxygen it abundant.

The muddy skin sounds like you are attacking their slime coat which could be bad.

[szidlon]

Does his head, or should I say forehead area, look pointy and/or pinched as well? If so it may be too late for treatment. Once a Discus gets that far gone it's very difficult to bring one back, but it can be done. Discus can go a very long time without eating before it becomes noticeable and often times when it becomes evident there's a problem, it's too late. I think treating for internal parasites is the right path. When you say you've been treating for muddy skin, are you talking about excessive slime coat that looks like it's just sliding off their bodies? I try to watch my Discus at feeding time every day and stay alert to any eating or behavioral issues that pop up. Classic signs of Discus trouble in the near future are hanging at the top, especially in the corners, not staying with the group, loss of appetite, change in color or increase in the slime coating, fins drooping, well you get the picture. Any out of the ordinary behaviour, other than breeding signals, could be a sign of the beginning of a problem.

Have you tried anything other than formalin yet? If Dan recommends Kanamycin, I have some I can donate to your cause.

[wesleydnunder]

jeebus, there may be several things going on with your discus. If he has internal parisites then only an ingested medicine will work. I'd be cautious about adding salt, too. It could cause osmoregulation problems for an already sick fish. I wish I had something to offer in the way of a diagnosis and cure. I'd put up a thread on SimplyDiscus Forums if I were you. There is a staggering amount of discus experience on that board.

Mark

[jeebus]

Okay, I did a 75% water change with heavy vacuuming of the rock-bed, turned the temp up two degrees to 88 and within two hours all were out swimming, colored up, and best of all - eating.

I think I just panicked a little last night. I'm still new to discus. Thanks for all the replies and advice.

[newb]

awesome news man...yep, temperature and water change can have great effects on a discus. In my experience, dont make keeping Discus bigger than it is. They are actually a very easy fish to take care of as long as you keep a good temp and have a good WC schedule. best of luck in the future with them.

[jisatsuguy]

fyi guys i was browsing a discus site and they stated they use epsom salt to clear the digestive tract and to stimulate the appetite... i think it was rocky mountain discus or somethin...