| Tropical fish are like other species in many respects, | | | | possible for one to grow so large that the fish's |
| and that includes the fact that they have diseases or | | | | quality of life declines and you may have to euthanize |
| disorders that may resemble those of other animals, | | | | them. |
| but are specific to the fish themselves. One good | | | | One type of tumor that does have some success |
| example is tumors. | | | | with treatment, is the kind that forms under the skin |
| Just as humans, cats or dogs may get cancer or | | | | of the gill, causing it to remain open. The cause of |
| other types of tumors, so can tropical fish. The main | | | | this is usually a thyroid malfunction. Remove the fish |
| difference is that treatment in fish is nearly | | | | to a hospital tank, and add 1 milligram of potassium |
| impossible, depending on the type and location of the | | | | iodine for every gallon of water. Improvement can |
| mass. Not only are they difficult to handle where a | | | | be slow, and the full course of treatment can take |
| human can have clear visual access to them, but | | | | up to four weeks. |
| such things as surgery are basically out of the | | | | Internal tumors can be quite advanced before the |
| question. | | | | fish shows any signs, such as a swelling of the |
| Tumors generally show themselves as a lump under | | | | abdomen. These cases are invariably fatal, with the |
| or on the skin of fish. These are a distinct bump or | | | | rapid growth causing the fish to lose its ability to |
| lump, as opposed to the white fluff of skin diseases. | | | | swim or eat, at which time you should consider |
| For the most part, tumors are benign, although it's | | | | euthanasia. |