Pajama Cardinal Eye Lesion

[Bonfish]

I observe an aquarium weekly and noticed this large growth on the fishes left eye.

There are 50 or so glass anemones and a spiny urchin in the tank with the fish. All other fish appear healthy. Does anyone know what this could be and what the best treatment is?

 

[Crabs McJones]

@Humblefish #reefsquad

 

[Brew12]

Wow! That poor lil guy!

Normally it is recommended to use Epsom salts for eye swelling issues. I've never seen anything like this before though. Hopefully one of the others will chime in soon!

 

[Humblefish]

My God that looks awful. Does it appear to be solid or an abscess (pocket of pus)? I'm guessing the latter, and I'm wondering if the urchin got him.

 

[Bonfish]

That is what I was thinking, or possibly one of those glass anemones. Any ideas for potential treatments? The growth appeared solid and completely encapsulated.

 

[Humblefish]

The growth appeared solid and completely encapsulated.

I was going to suggest inserting a syringe and trying to suck/release some of the pus out. But if it's solid you may have to just attempt cutting it off using a scalpel. I highly recommend using a sedative (MS-222) before attempting either approach. Look here for sources to buy MS-222 from: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/venting-a-swim-bladder.335275/#post-4172304

You have nothing to lose by trying here. The fish cannot possibly survive long-term in that condition. Even if he loses the eye, he will be fine so long as he doesn't lose the other.

I recommend using this product (or Neosporin) on the eye afterwards: http://www.hikariusa.com/solutions/healthaid/bio-bandage/

 

[Bonfish]

Thank you I really appreciate the feedback. I have used ms-222 before for anesthesia on amphibians. I agree the long term prognosis looks poor unless there is intervention. I will see what they are willing to let me do as this aquarium exists in my doctors office.

 

[Bonfish]

Update: I went back in to my doctors office after emailing them on Friday with two options. First they send the fish for treatment with a local fish veterinarian that I provided the contact information for or I recommend they surrender the fish to our shelter and we would take care of the treatment. They had the aquarium service remove the fish for treatment to Cornell University. I offered a local option at only $75-100. Hopefully this is true and this fish got the treatment it needed. Thank you again for all the help!

 

[Humblefish]

Update: I went back in to my doctors office after emailing them on Friday with two options. First they send the fish for treatment with a local fish veterinarian that I provided the contact information for or I recommend they surrender the fish to our shelter and we would take care of the treatment. They had the aquarium service remove the fish for treatment to Cornell University. I offered a local option at only $75-100. Hopefully this is true and this fish got the treatment it needed. Thank you again for all the help!

Kudos to you for caring so much about this fish.