My fish's eye is gone. How can I treat a fish with an eye injury?

It may be a bacterial infection or trauma. Monitor for bullying since you have other fish. Most minor infections can be managed or resolved by maintaining pristine water quality. A bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to aid in recovery, reduce stress and improve gill function. Dissolve 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess the condition. If the condition is unchanged, consider a broad spectrum antibiotic. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

It could be an infection (bacterial or fungal) or it could be due to trauma from other fish or tank furniture. Confirm proper water quality and chemistry. You can try some plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or epsom salt) as a general tonic. It may reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess the condition. Perform partial water changes to decrease salinity afterwards. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65 F and 72 F.

Consider placing him in a hospital tank. Maintain pristine water quality. That's the foundation for healing. Perform partial water changes every few days if necessary. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Add StressCoat or similar product to promote a slime coat. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess his condition. It will take time for him to heal. He may not fully heal, but it he can eat and swim, he should be fine.

Hi there. Poor Tango! Sorry you are having this issue. With injuries such as this, myxazin is often added to the water as you already have. Water changes are usually recommended as well to keep opportunistic bacteria at bay-which you have also done. The only thing I will recommend to my clients that have done the former two is added aquarium salt at about 1 teaspoon per five gallons of water in your tank. Otherwise-you are doing everything you can in this scenario. I really hope Tango feels better soon.

It could be "pop eye". This can be caused by infection or trauma (aggression or from tank furniture). Treatment will include medication and maintaining pristine water quality. Goldfish produce a larger than average bio load (wastes) which can quickly overwhelm a tank and filter. Ideally, one goldfish should have 20 gallons of water and 10 additional gallons should be added per extra fish. The filter should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. Check water chemistry using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with a nitrate level of 20 ppm or less. Partial water changes can be done to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 65F and 72F. A broad spectrum antibiotic can be found in the Aquarium section of the local Petco. These include erythromycin, tetracycline or kanamycin. Brands include Kanaplex, Maracyn , FishMox or FishCillin. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

This could be caused an extreme exophthalmus that has rupture both eyes and could be secondary to an infection. Gas bubble disease can lead to eyes rupture as well. Eyes unfortunately do not regenerate but can heal depending on the type of injury (a picture of the lesions would be extremely helpful in your case). Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is normal, antibiotic treatment is likely to be required. Please discuss these options with your local vet.

This may be a severe infection. If you haven't already, move him to a separate hospital tank. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular water changes. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Consider a broad spectrum antibiotic. Look for KanaPlex or Maracyn Plus in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment. Unfortunately, given the severity of the condition and his appearance, it is possible you may lose him during treatment.