|
For a wound the size of what this fish has, I don't go through the steps of putting the fish down to work on it. I would simply hold the fish with it's head in the water and tail end out. Pat the area dry with a paper towel (maybe someone can assist you to do this while you hold the fish - depending on it's size) apply MERCUROCHROME - NOT IODINE using a Q-tip. Make sure to do your best to get under the scales as much as possible. Blow gently on the wound area to help the tincture dry quicker, then after approx. 30 sec., release the fish. It certainly helps if you have a quarantine tank. This will allow follow-up treatments as necessary. By the way, only one treatment with Mercurochrome is recommended. Otherwise, you could damage the epidermis by burning it and when it heals, the scales won't grow back. It will have a permanent scar. Also, some folks are proponents of Potassium Permanganate mixed as a paste. If the wound is anywhere that will be seen, don't do it. IT WILL cauterize the area and the scales will NOT grow back.
|