Bacterial hemorrhagic septicemia

Question
Hello. I am currently treating my one year old comet goldfish Skeeter for septicemia with Tetracycline. I started the treatment yesterday afternoon and gave him his second dose today. He lives in a 10 gallon tank, and I put two tablespoons of salt in his water before treatment. He has a heater in and the filter is taken out of his tank for the treatment. I read that it is common for fish to develop fin rot or ick during treatment because their immune system is not at it's best. Skeeter is developing fin rot very quickly, but I don't know what to do. It says the the Tetracycline treats fin rot also but the fin rot is developing during the treatment? He was active and eating yesterday, along with the smashing against the walls of the tank. Now he is just laying on the bottom, with fin rot, the red streaks are getting worse, and he is barely active at all. About an hour ago he started violently bashing himself against the tank again. My roommate is crying on the phone because she hates to watch it.

This fish is my baby, and I will do anything for him. Could you please help me.

Answer
Hello, very sorry to hear about Skeeter.
I am going to recommend you get a second opinion as well since this is a substantial and urgent problem.

In this situation, continue to the tetracycline. I would net him, and cover his eyes in gauze saturated with aquarium water. While holding hIm, use a q tip to apply hydrogen peroxide to the effected areas.  Do not get excess hydrogen peroxide in the water. Repeat as needed every 8-12 hours for no more than 3 days.

It is possible this is a form of piscine tb as well. This is incredibly rare and unlikely, but it's worth mentioning. You may want to use precautions such as wearing latex glOves in case when handling the fish or aquarium water as it is possible to pick up a small infection. Treatment is similar but more intensive.

Do you know if there is a vet in your area who is capable of fish medicinal practices? That would be the best option if possible. Seeing any expert in your area who could see the fish in person will be 10x better than online advice.

Best wishes to you, your roommate, and obviously Skeeter.