Bloated - BAD

[callen]

It's hard to tell by e pictures but would you say it's changed since you first posted?

[lfk74]

It's hard to tell by e pictures but would you say it's changed since you first posted?

I would have to say the same

[OinKY]

Shaped uniformly like that to both sides ?
The location rules out some really bad things like Swimbladder infection or renal tumors,but the shape and uniformity is a little far forward for constipation so IMO it's a blockage or mass of some sort.
Fact she's willing to eat is a good sign...is she having any type bowel movements at all ?

[Katt]

Am sorry your haveing this problem. But hang in there, Oscars can go weeks, yes weeks without eatting. No problem.
Wishing you the best of luck.

[JohnL]

Any change in her condition?

[lfk74]

Shaped uniformly like that to both sides ?
The location rules out some really bad things like Swimbladder infection or renal tumors,but the shape and uniformity is a little far forward for constipation so IMO it's a blockage or mass of some sort.
Fact she's willing to eat is a good sign...is she having any type bowel movements at all ?

Yes, uniform to both sides. Other than that she is now acting normal and wanting to eat all the time. She is so snoopy everything I've tried she will not have anything to do with except her pellets and I've cut down to about 3 an evening. I suppose bowel movements are normal since I sweep the gravel and get stuff up.

[lfk74]

Any change in her condition?

Acts more like herself but still bloated.

[OinKY]

If eating,and able to pass it,I'd rule out blockage unless the crap looks "squeezed". What color is what you are vacuuming up ?

[lfk74]

If eating,and able to pass it,I'd rule out blockage unless the crap looks "squeezed". What color is what you are vacuuming up ?

Nothing appeared abnormal.

[lfk74]

It has been awhile since I've posted but it seems as if she is getting more bloated with time. Water change has been done and levels have been good. I'll post 2 pictures and any advice will be greatly appreciated. She just seems to lay on bottom now and is not as active in the last 2 days. She still eats. I did add Epson Salts to the water this morning before going to work.

[OinKY]

Just conjecture on my part...
If eating and still having bowel movements there's not much it can be other than an abdominal mass. That could be a tumor or an abcess.
The only opinion I have is to try a broad spectrum antibiotic. If bacterial it is more than likely gram- but some gram+ can form abcesses also. Sometimes fish that become egg-laden can't lay,or reabsorb,the eggs...these sometines lead to infections also.
If it's a tumor there really isn't anything that can be done at home. You may get a specialized vet to take a look and make a prognosis.

[callen]

I have to agree with Oinky. This has gone on way to long for it to be constipation. My guess is a tumor.

[lfk74]

Wow, I'm at a loss for words. I've had her 12 years. Should I give her a couple days? She has continued to produce eggs. Also, the eyes look a little different. I'm sorry, this is difficult, we've battled swim bladder disease among other issues and come through, guess I'm still holding out hope.

[lfk74]

I previously tried antibiotics and there are no vets for fish around here.

[OinKY]

Always hope.
I always suggest meds as my last resort. Eating,bowels moving,eggs being laid (what do they look like ?) all say the digestive tract and reproductive tract are fairly well open and not overly constricted,so the mass is outside those areas...so a full round of antibiotics is not outside of logical progression of treatment.
The appearance of the eyes changing is not a good sign and shows metabolic strain on her systems.While she is still eating,I'd try to go with garlic and other antioxidants (C,E,K,some zinc) in the diet to see if they help.

I previously tried antibiotics and there are no vets for fish around here.

Which antibiotics ?
Also,you can attempt to contact the Ichthyology department of a local university or the veterinary department. Internet can get you Auburn University (top Vet school),University of Michigan (great Icthyology Dept.),or any number of schools or institutes.