Constipated emperor angelfish help

[mfollen]

Hello!

One of my paired emperor angels is unable to poop as there is significant blockage due to unknown cause.

The fish is no longer eating as the blockage is causing stress for the fish.

How can I help the fish pass this so it can be cleared to begin eating again? I think it hasn’t eaten in maybe 3 days now due to this.

I have metroplex on hand and may get epsom salts. It is in a FOWLR tank. I’d rather not stress it and catch it for a QT tank. If I have to I will though.
Should I consider any intank dosing? Or what would be the best non-feeding protocol to help with any laxatives?

Thank you!!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hello!

One of my paired emperor angels is unable to poop as there is significant blockage due to unknown cause.

The fish is no longer eating as the blockage is causing stress for the fish.

How can I help the fish pass this so it can be cleared to begin eating again? I think it hasn’t eaten in maybe 3 days now due to this.

I have metroplex on hand and may get epsom salts. It is in a FOWLR tank. I’d rather not stress it and catch it for a QT tank. If I have to I will though.
Should I consider any intank dosing? Or what would be the best non-feeding protocol to help with any laxatives?

Thank you!!

Do not use Metroplex and epsom salt is a remedy for goldfish and other freshwater fish. The given fish is already in a salt environment. This is rectal prolapse and may be in part due to constipation. I see area distorted opposed to red or sore. Feed it Brine shrimp only for now which acts as a laxative. If it gets sore, treat with Ruby rally pro or more effectively in a separate tank using seachem Neoplex.
Increase aeration with air stone if breathing is elevated

 

[mfollen]

Ok thank you, the fish is not eating so should I treat with neoplex (preferred) or ruby rally pro?

 

[MnFish1]

Ok thank you, the fish is not eating so should I treat with neoplex (preferred) or ruby rally pro?

Agree that if the fish isn't eating, it probably makes sense to try an antibiotic. I would use kanamycin or neomycin in a hospital tank. You could use ruby in your display, but, that exposes all of the fish to the potential side effects of a medication they don't need, and there may be an effect on your bio filter. Hope this helps - could you show a picture of the tank? Perhaps a video of the fish swimming?

 

[mfollen]

Here you go!
Thank you for your help everyone, it would be so unfortunate to lose on of the pair…
Let me know if based on the video if there is a recommended approach. Otherwise perhaps kanamacyn or neoplex in a QT tank?

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Sorry to see - it looks like there is some skin damage at the anal opening, and I agree, to me, that implies a prolapse. Simple constipation sometimes works itself out, but with prolapses, there is the chance of tissue infection/damage due to necrosis.

Metronidazole is primarily an anti-protozoal, so I don't see that being used here. As said, Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is a tonic for freshwater fish, as seawater is already high in that salt. Sometimes, Epsom salts can be used as a purgative for marine fish, but it needs to be supplied in the diet.

I agree that you could try antibiotics in a hospital tank, but in this case, the infection may be internal, so antibiotic baths are less effective.

Jay

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ok thank you, the fish is not eating so should I treat with neoplex (preferred) or ruby rally pro?

Either, yes and kanaplex will be more effective as its absorbed internally and externally by the fish

 

[mfollen]

Fantastic thank you everyone!!

I will try kanaplex in a QT today.
I’ll follow up with updates

 

[stewy14]

can I just ask the feeding routine?

 

[mfollen]

The feeding routine has been more heavy on pellets lately. Couple times a day of TDO chromaboost.
Also flake is fed multiple times a day, and frozen mysis and formula 2 frozen green once a day.

I definitely could revisit the regimen for less pellets