Persistent popeye

ThRoewer · 06/03/2019, 01:34 PM

I have a Starcki damsel (one of 3 I have in that QT) that developed popeye on one of its eyes a couple of weeks ago.

It seems that there is gas under the eye.

The fish is otherwise healthy and active.

I already treated the tank 3 times with Epsom salt but it didn't really help.

Does anyone have another promising treatment option?

HumbleFish · 06/03/2019, 03:00 PM

For actual eye infections, erythromycin is the only ABX which has ever worked for me. Supposedly minocycline works on gram - eye infections.

If the gas bubble was in a better spot you could try lancing the air out using a 30 gauge insulin syringe.

ThRoewer · 06/03/2019, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumbleFish

For actual eye infections, erythromycin is the only ABX which has ever worked for me. Supposedly minocycline works on gram - eye infections.

If the gas bubble was in a better spot you could try lancing the air out using a 30 gauge insulin syringe.

Do you use the erythromycin gel for direct application?

HumbleFish · 06/03/2019, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThRoewer

Do you use the erythromycin gel for direct application?

I've done it both ways. Topical application is obviously more involved. Dosing the water usually works, just takes longer (10-14 days).

ThRoewer · 06/03/2019, 05:26 PM

Since there are more fish in the tank topical application might be better. No need to treat everyone. Also, it seems the topical ointment is easier to get.

jjoos99 · 06/09/2019, 07:08 PM

I believe my moorish idol has a gas bubble underneith each eye. It looks just like an air bubble the is at the top of the eye like an eye lid. Is this from an infection? should I treat with erythromycin or just let it run its course? It is eating well but does have some fin damage and an abrasion on its side. Will epson salts help? I see to treat with 1 teaspoon per 5 gallon, do I treat the entire tank and for how long?
thanks
jeff

HumbleFish · 06/10/2019, 08:42 AM

@jjoos99 Can you provide some clearer photos?

jjoos99 · 06/10/2019, 03:19 PM

Here he is today. If anything the bubble on the other eye has gotten bigger. I bought some erythromycin on the way home so I can treat with that if that is what you suggest.
thanks a lot
Jeff

jjoos99 · 06/10/2019, 08:57 PM

Is it possible that a fish could have gotten the air issue from the flight from California to Ohio? I checked in on the fish several hours later tonight after I took the picture and the bubbles were about half the size. I watched the fish for a bit and it twitched quickly and I saw an air bubble float to the surface from the fish. I think the membrane couldnt expand any more and might have burst open a bit and relieved some of the air.
Jeff

HumbleFish · 06/10/2019, 10:04 PM

The change in air pressure could have caused what is commonly referred to as "Gas Bubble Disease": https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2014/8/fish

ThRoewer · 06/12/2019, 01:29 AM

Well, my Starcki got better without medication.

ThRoewer · 06/12/2019, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumbleFish

The change in air pressure could have caused what is commonly referred to as "Gas Bubble Disease": https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2014/8/fish

That "Gas Bubble Disease" should however not be confused with the "Gas Bubble Disease" you often encounter with seahorses and pipefish.

jjoos99 · 06/12/2019, 06:00 PM

I did see gas bubble disease for horses, seems they have a treatment for them. Today the bubbles seem to have gone behind the eyes, both are bulging out quite a bit. Still only feeding well and keeping water clean. Not sure that antibiotics would help.
Thanks
Jeff

ThRoewer · 06/12/2019, 06:08 PM

Have you tried epsom salt?

jjoos99 · 06/12/2019, 06:35 PM

No, I was having trouble finding details on it. Found dosage but can it be used in hypo, ok for all the fish in tank? For how long?
Jeff

HumbleFish · 06/13/2019, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjoos99

No, I was having trouble finding details on it. Found dosage but can it be used in hypo, ok for all the fish in tank? For how long?
Jeff

1 tablespoon per 5 gallons. Repeat again in 48 hours.

06/03/2019, 01:34 PM	#1
ThRoewer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 9,555	Persistent popeye I have a Starcki damsel (one of 3 I have in that QT) that developed popeye on one of its eyes a couple of weeks ago. It seems that there is gas under the eye. The fish is otherwise healthy and active. I already treated the tank 3 times with Epsom salt but it didn't really help. Does anyone have another promising treatment option? __________________ Pairs: 4 percula, 3 P. kauderni, 3 D. excisus, 1 ea of P. diacanthus, S. splendidus, C. altivelis O. rosenblatti, D. janssi, S. yasha & a Gramma loreto trio 3 P. diacanthus. 2 C. starcki Current Tank Info: 200 gal 4 tank system (40x28x24 + 40B + 40B sump tank + 20g refugium) + 30x18x18 mixed reef + 20g East Pacific biotop + 20g FW +...

06/03/2019, 05:26 PM	#5
ThRoewer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 9,555	Since there are more fish in the tank topical application might be better. No need to treat everyone. Also, it seems the topical ointment is easier to get. __________________ Pairs: 4 percula, 3 P. kauderni, 3 D. excisus, 1 ea of P. diacanthus, S. splendidus, C. altivelis O. rosenblatti, D. janssi, S. yasha & a Gramma loreto trio 3 P. diacanthus. 2 C. starcki Current Tank Info: 200 gal 4 tank system (40x28x24 + 40B + 40B sump tank + 20g refugium) + 30x18x18 mixed reef + 20g East Pacific biotop + 20g FW +...

06/12/2019, 01:29 AM	#11
ThRoewer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 9,555	Well, my Starcki got better without medication. __________________ Pairs: 4 percula, 3 P. kauderni, 3 D. excisus, 1 ea of P. diacanthus, S. splendidus, C. altivelis O. rosenblatti, D. janssi, S. yasha & a Gramma loreto trio 3 P. diacanthus. 2 C. starcki Current Tank Info: 200 gal 4 tank system (40x28x24 + 40B + 40B sump tank + 20g refugium) + 30x18x18 mixed reef + 20g East Pacific biotop + 20g FW +...

06/12/2019, 06:08 PM	#14
ThRoewer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 9,555	Have you tried epsom salt? __________________ Pairs: 4 percula, 3 P. kauderni, 3 D. excisus, 1 ea of P. diacanthus, S. splendidus, C. altivelis O. rosenblatti, D. janssi, S. yasha & a Gramma loreto trio 3 P. diacanthus. 2 C. starcki Current Tank Info: 200 gal 4 tank system (40x28x24 + 40B + 40B sump tank + 20g refugium) + 30x18x18 mixed reef + 20g East Pacific biotop + 20g FW +...

06/03/2019, 03:00 PM	#2
HumbleFish Moved On Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 4,757	For actual eye infections, erythromycin is the only ABX which has ever worked for me. Supposedly minocycline works on gram - eye infections. If the gas bubble was in a better spot you could try lancing the air out using a 30 gauge insulin syringe.

06/10/2019, 08:42 AM	#7
HumbleFish Moved On Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 4,757	@jjoos99 Can you provide some clearer photos?

06/10/2019, 08:57 PM	#9
jjoos99 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dayton Ohio Posts: 796	Is it possible that a fish could have gotten the air issue from the flight from California to Ohio? I checked in on the fish several hours later tonight after I took the picture and the bubbles were about half the size. I watched the fish for a bit and it twitched quickly and I saw an air bubble float to the surface from the fish. I think the membrane couldnt expand any more and might have burst open a bit and relieved some of the air. Jeff

06/10/2019, 10:04 PM	#10
HumbleFish Moved On Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 4,757	The change in air pressure could have caused what is commonly referred to as "Gas Bubble Disease": https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2014/8/fish

06/12/2019, 06:00 PM	#13
jjoos99 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dayton Ohio Posts: 796	I did see gas bubble disease for horses, seems they have a treatment for them. Today the bubbles seem to have gone behind the eyes, both are bulging out quite a bit. Still only feeding well and keeping water clean. Not sure that antibiotics would help. Thanks Jeff

06/12/2019, 06:35 PM	#15
jjoos99 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dayton Ohio Posts: 796	No, I was having trouble finding details on it. Found dosage but can it be used in hypo, ok for all the fish in tank? For how long? Jeff