ULCERS
What is it?
Ulcers can be very deadly, as it leaves an open door for many germs and parasites. An ulcer is similar to a cut, however is often deeper and infected.

They are quite common, especially in pond fish, and fish who are stressed or generally unwell. It is sometimes hard to get rid of completely, however usually a complete recovery will occur if treated in time.

Ulcers begin as small wounds to the skin of the fish. These wounds may be caused by rough handling, fighting, parasites or damage done by bad water quality and high ammonia. Opportunistic bacteria that naturally live in the water attach to the wound site and make the wound site become infected. The wound may spread and the bacteria may enter the blood stream of the fish, killing it.

Symptoms:
As described above, open, reddened, varying in size, lesions. The may appear white in some patches, and the other rim of the wound will be gray (this gray area is dead flesh). It will be persistent and not heal naturally as most wounds would.

Cure:
Firstly, make sure the water is of a high quality, check pH and ammonia levels. Correct these and proceed with treatment.

It may be hard to tell if just one fish is infected, or if more are. For this reason it is essential to treat the whole aquarium as the fish that appear healthy may actually be harboring small amounts of the bacteria.

Treatment is not quick, as the bacteria is persistent and has almost a protected area to live in. A broad spectrum antibiotic will work, but it must be administered over a longer period of time, 2-3 weeks. Topical treatments are also available (that is, ones that go directly onto the ulcer). This may help in conjunction with antibiotics that go into the water. If they have not helped cure the disease within 3 weeks, an underlying problem is the cause and must be considered. Check for parasites and once again make sure water quality is at its highest.



Remember, water quality is always extremely important- so always check that first as it is often the cause of disease in aquarium fish. When treating sick fish, try to put the least amount of stress on them as possible, as stress will hinder the heeling process. Another thing is to remember is that generally, a healthy fish is a happy fish.

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