[img size=150][/img]We were given an Oscar recently and he has some problems. There are large whitish spots on him and he has an eye problem. The lower part of his eye has a thick protruding film. I will post pictures. Is this HITH disease or ich or something else? I have raised the water temp and added salt. We have begun varying the diet. Anything else I need to do?[img]
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Can't quite tell from the photo, are the white spots raised, a little bit like cotton wool, or something similar? I couldn't be absolutely sure but it looks like some kind of body fungus. Can you post some water tests, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Carry out extra tank maintenance to keep the water in really good condition. Every other day, around 25%.

Now, there are various medications on the market, you could try one called myxazin and see if that works. It would be advisable to isolate the fish if possible. If not, you'll just have to hope that this isn't contagious.

The white areas do look fuzzy or cottony. They seem to be raised but they are actually covering what looks like indentions or lost scales. (Could it be growing on the areas that would be considered HITH?) I will have to take water sample to get tested. I changed about 25-30% of the water yesterday so I guess I have to wait until tomorrow to do it again. I took the filter out and added salt (I put 3 tablespoonfuls per 10 gallons. I also raised the temperature. Should I add more salt?

Lots of us have our own opinion on salt. I have never used and never will, I really don't think it is needed. Now, you said something that worries me slightly. What is this about you taking the filter out?

Looks like a fungal infection. If you look on the additional menu, you will see "treatments and medications" have a read through the medications and see if your shop stocks any of the ones that treat fungal infections. Don't hang around, these cases can spread rapidly and can be fatal.

I took the carbon cartridge out of the filter. The filter is till running. Is that ok?

It is essential to take the carbon out of the filter when adding medications. I agree with
oscarfishlover use myxazin and do daily water changes. I wouldnt bother putting the carbon back.
Put some other filter media in like those hollow tubes or the little rocks with holes in.
I dont think that is HITH but an infection that could have been caused by any number of
reasons

Yes, I agree, don't bother putting the carbon back in. You could actually do more harm than good. After the medication is finished, and hopefully the fish is cured, just do a large water change. That is all the carbon is used for, removing impurities from the water. If you don't change the carbon, you might get impurities reaching back into the water which can have a really serious effect on the tank.

By the way, do you think you could find a bigger picture next time

Thank you all so much for the help! And I am so sorry about the HUGE pictures; as you can tell I am new at this!!! I will try to resize better next time! LOL
I rushed off to the fish store before I wrote down Myxazin. They sold me a product called Pimafix. Are you familiar with it? It says it treats fungal and bacterial infections. I find that strange since I am pharmacist and there is no single drug that does both. I guess it is different for fish?! The product says it contains Pimenta racemosa. I hope this is ok. Should I go back for Myxazin? Can Myxazin be used simultaneously with Pimafix?

Go ahead and use the Pimafix since you have that. it should work for you too. However what I noticed in your photos concerns me too. In your photos it "appears" that the quality of the water is fouled and cloudy. I know photos can distort things but it raises a good point. First and foremost if you want that fish to heal, you will need to maintain ABOVE average water quality and conditions. If you are currently doing partial water changes weekly, this means you really need to do them more often, say two to three times a week now until the fish is fully recovered. He needs good clean clear water to heal and that is almost more important then any medications you might add. You need to be testing your water regularly for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates too and you need to understand what those readings mean, so if you don't own a good test kit yourself, go get one and read the instructions.

Lastly, don't use carbon at all unless its put in for a special purpose for a brief period of time but certainly take it out when medicating. Carbon should not be used routinely with oscars.

Do consider going back to the store and getting Melafix as well, and use both together as this case looks rather severe. Make sure you read and follow the directions for dosing.

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PimaFix
Treats cotton-like fungal infections, and both internal and external bacterial infections. PimaFix harnesses the unique antifungal and antibacterial properties of the West Indian Bay Tree (Pimenta racemosa) for a safe and natural remedy; prevents the development of resistant strains of disease-causing organisms. Will not discolor water, affect biological filter, or pH during treatment. Will not harm aquatic plants. For extreme cases, PimaFix can safely be used with MelaFix to provide the added benefit of quick tissue regeneration and wound healing. 8 oz treats 400 gallons.

MelaFix
Contains the natural botanical extract from the Tea Tree (Melaleuca, an excellent alternative to resistant strains of bacteria that are unaffected by traditional medications. Treats bacterial infections such as red ulcers, fin and tail rot, cloudy eyes, mouth fungus, and others in as little as 4 days. Also heals open wounds, ulcers, and damaged fins. Doesn't affect pH; safe for invertebrates. 8 oz treats 480 gallons of marine or freshwater. 64 oz is a concentrated formula and treats 19,000 gallons.

Thank you. I will get a test kit. I had just done a water change when I took the photo and will continue to do several a week. Are you familiar with Maracyn and Maracyn II. Someone suggested these and when I looked them up they are doxycycline and erythromycin. (These are drugs that I am familiar with) What do you think about using those?

I am not specifically familiar with them but can say this. There are many different brands and meds on the market for fish diseases and parasites and all work pretty much as advertised. They key is to First, correct the environment that caused the problem in the first place, and use a medication suitable for the problem as necessary. Especially with Oscars, good quality water goes a long way towards healing and we recommend frequent water changes when trying to get an Oscar to heal up. Often, water quality alone is enough to heal simple bumps, bruises and abbrasions that Oscars seem to get throughout their lives. In your Fishes case, he needs lots of TLC in combiunation with Meds and good water quality. (He looks lucky to even be alive.) Do a good 40-50% water change before beginning the medication in my opinion to remove some of that salt and to get that water changed out anyway.

Here'a a good website that you can use as a reference for many available medications:
www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?N=2004&aid=1338

I know a big picture is frowned upon but did it not show what was wrong will his oscar better than a smaller picture. I personally think that when someone has a problem with their fish a big picture is to be encouraged. What do you think oscarfishlover and jake?




Best of luck with the oscar newoscar and keep doing those water changes