What should I use to treat Hemorrhagic Septicemia in my goldfish?

Question

What is a good medication to use for Bacterial Hemorrhagic Septicemia in goldfish? I noticed today that 2 of my 3 goldfish had red blotches on their body and around their face. My father, who majored in Wildlife Fishery Biology, diagnosed it this afternoon. As silly as it seems, I'm very attached to my goldfish and I would like to know the best treatment. I read that Maracyn 2 is a good treatment, but I couldn't find any at Wal-Mart. Instead I bought Melafix. I haven't used it yet, but if you have used it please tell me if it worked. And does anyone know where I can buy Maracyn 2? Please help me! I am very desperate. And PLEASE don't even answer if you were going to tell me to flush them, as I am not doing it until they actually die. Thank you.

Answer 1

I think the Melafix should work just fine, since it is an anti-bacterial medication.  I have not used it myself though.

A few months ago one of my clown loaches had a case of septiciemia and I didn't use meds for treatment.  I did extra water changes to keep the water conditions perfect and I added aquarium salt (which I think is close to being the 'cure all' for aquarium problems.)

You might want to add some aquarium salt in addition to to the melafix to help with stress and increase gill function.

It's not silly that you are attached to your fish, most people are.  I hope he's ok.  I would try the melafix since you already have it, I think it will help.

Just to add, I'm sure you knew anyway, but I would treat the whole tank since 2 of the 3 goldfish have it - chances are the 3rd may get it if not treated also.

Answer 2

Very good diagnosis by your dad.  Melafix is almost entirely a superficial treatment-- it may be mildly effective at preventing secondary infections, but it will NOT cure existing infections.  That would be like treating pneumonia infection with Neosporin (it wouldn't work).  Maracyn TC, Maracyn 2, Triple Sulfa, Trisulfa, TC Tabs, Metronidazole, Flagyl, Hexamit, Kanaplex, or similar gram negative effective drugs.  Be sure to remove any activated carbon from the filter and if using Maracyn TC, TC Tabs, Maracyn 2 or any other tetracyclines, be sure to treat with the lights off, as these drugs degrade with exposure to light.

Answer 3

Maracyn 2 is very good.  I'm afraid Melafix is unlikely to do much  for a bacterial problem like Hemorrhagic Septicemia.  It's very good to promote healing of minor wounds, but it's not an antibacterial agent.  A little salt will help alleviate some of your goldfish's discomfort and enhance its slime coat, which is the fish's natural resistance to disease.  Maracyn 2 should be available at PetSmart or PetCo, and here is an online source for Maracyn 2:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl...

Good luck with your goldies.

Answer 4

Go to a real pet store to buy medications. They normally carry many more varieties of medications. Maracyn 2 will work best, but I cannot see the melafix doing all that much to actually treat the infection, you need an antibiotic. I would much rather suggest using aquarium salts than the melafix. And make sure you get the maracyn 2 asap. Remember to remove any of your carbon while medicating.

Answer 5

Tetracycline is a good broad spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat many ailments in fish, including "ich".

It is available at pet supply stores.

Worth a try.