Hewbie is swimming upside down!

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Some new developments. Hewbie ate three shrimp and went tail up again! @Jay Hemdal @vetteguy53081 I’m super curious your thoughts! I hope to get answers tomorrow. I still am wondering about something air or swim bladder related. I hate this rollercoaster! Ugh.

I can't see clearly - it looks like some sort of pink lesion at the base of the tail and the left pectoral fin? Or is that just an artifact of the way the picture was taken?

 

[AydenLincoln]

I can't see clearly - it looks like some sort of pink lesion at the base of the tail and the left pectoral fin? Or is that just an artifact of the way the picture was taken?

This is the lighting reflecting off the end of his tail that creates a reflection since his tail is semi-translucent.

 

[AydenLincoln]

I can't see clearly - it looks like some sort of pink lesion at the base of the tail and the left pectoral fin? Or is that just an artifact of the way the picture was taken?

Some other development is that he digested the food and seemed better after that. Am I to transport him in his tank water compared to new water? Even if it is medicated. I just want to verify this is what I should do. Thank you.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

This is the lighting reflecting off the end of his tail that creates a reflection since his tail is semi-translucent.

Are you taking it to the vet? I'm not sure what they will be able to do; I really only ever used our Zoo vet for sending out histopathology samples, advanced imaging (ultrasound, radiographs, etc.) as well as medication injections. I handled everything else myself.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Some other development is that he digested the food and seemed better after that. Am I to transport him in his tank water compared to new water? Even if it is medicated. I just want to verify this is what I should do. Thank you.

How long will the transport be? Longer than 30 minutes, you will need to use either oxygen, or aeration.

You can use tank water. You can also use new water, as long as it is identical in salinity, and close to temperature and pH of the tank.

 

[AydenLincoln]

How long will the transport be? Longer than 30 minutes, you will need to use either oxygen, or aeration.

You can use tank water. You can also use new water, as long as it is identical in salinity, and close to temperature and pH of the tank.

I used the tank water and heater and oxygen. We are at a vet.

 

[AydenLincoln]

Are you taking it to the vet? I'm not sure what they will be able to do; I really only ever used our Zoo vet for sending out histopathology samples, advanced imaging (ultrasound, radiographs, etc.) as well as medication injections. I handled everything else myself.

So they are taking x-rays possibly blood samples. And then possible injections like a broad spectrum antibiotic.

 

[AydenLincoln]

Say prayers for both of us! I swear I heard him pop and some splashes. But definitely some splashes. I hate this part of the vet for any animal!

 

[AydenLincoln]

Good news! Scans were all clear! No swim bladder issue, blockages, air, masses, etc. His weight and bone/calcium density were good. They think it is an internal digestive issue like something with his intestines and microbiome. I will work on changing his diet back to crabs. They prescribed him prescription metro fed by mouth. She confirmed her findings with the lead veterinarian at the Tampa Bay Aquarium! I feel so much better and will post photos when I get it. Also it didn’t break my bank which was a bonus!

 

[BryanM]

Also it didn’t break my bank which was a bonus!

This is hard to believe, but happy it is true for you.

The description of what was done, and what we pay our doggie vets, sounds like an easy $1,000. They want nearly 4k to clean my chihuahua's teeth. Insane.

 

[AydenLincoln]

This is hard to believe, but happy it is true for you.

The description of what was done, and what we pay our doggie vets, sounds like an easy $1,000. They want nearly 4k to clean my chihuahua's teeth. Insane.

Oh absolutely! This vet was great! Like a dog or cat the scans will be sent out and interpreted by a radiologist same as a human or dog/cat! The scans and total cost of it all was under $500 meds included.

 

[KrisReef]

i

Good news! Scans were all clear! No swim bladder issue, blockages, air, masses, etc. His weight and bone/calcium density were good. They think it is an internal digestive issue like something with his intestines and microbiome. I will work on changing his diet back to crabs. They prescribed him prescription metro fed by mouth. She confirmed her findings with the lead veterinarian at the Tampa Bay Aquarium! I feel so much better and will post photos when I get it. Also it didn’t break my bank which was a bonus!

Posting photos,? we want to see the X-ray series!

No need to post any selfies, we know you are smiling.

 

[mpatterson42]

I'm pulling for Hewbie!

i

Posting photos,? we want to see the X-ray series!

No need to post any selfies, we know you are smiling.

Yes, as someone in the radiology field it was be awesome to see what an x-ray of a pufferfish looks like!

 

[KrisReef]

 

[AydenLincoln]

How long will the transport be? Longer than 30 minutes, you will need to use either oxygen, or aeration.

You can use tank water. You can also use new water, as long as it is identical in salinity, and close to temperature and pH of the tank.

I thought you would enjoy this! So this is the official diagnosis from the radiologist! He has air trapped deep within his body. I can’t push it out. Dowloading images now!

 

[mpatterson42]

"There appears to be a small amount of gas in the GI tract, seen near the cloaca." I guess that confirms Hewbie is a she?

 

[BeanAnimal]

Hewbie is a "patient", "this patient"

A bit of lightheartedness in a stressful situation.

Hopefully the treatment helps him.

 

[mpatterson42]

Hewbie is a "patient", "this patient"

A bit of light heartedness amongst a stressful situation.

Hopefully the treatment helps him.

I used to work with a company that did radiology imaging for nearby zoos and vets, they absolutely treated all animals like patients, including following all HIPAA requirements.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I used to work with a company that did radiology imaging for nearby zoos and vets, they absolutely treated all animals like patients, including following all HIPAA requirements.

Hopefully Hewbie signed his release so Ayden could post his medical records here.

 

[mpatterson42]

Hopefully Hewbie signed his release so Ayden could post his medial records here.

The good news is as Hewbie's legal guardian Ayden is allowed to share any medical records she wants! HIPAA only affects Covered Entities!