Ben - Blue Gourami

Question
QUESTION: Hi Lynda, remember me?

Last time I had asked you about my blue gourami 'Ben', and this time is another question about her.  We discussed what was going on with one of her eyes, and came to the conclusion that she was blind in that eye, but now she's also blind in the other eye (or going blind).  She bumps into things, swims around the tank and.. Well, she isn't stupid, but she almost acts like she is because she purposely get's herself stuck in things, or purposely does things to get herself stuck (ex. She found a small hole on one of my plant ornaments and often wedged herself in there. I took it out of the tank).  She also goes up for air and it's like she's falling backwards, since her body ends up going upside down, she panics and then flits around in circles at the surface until she can get right-side up again.

I don't know what to do so I thought I would ask for some advice.  I don't want to have to have her put to sleep, or anything drastic like that, and I'd really appreciate any help or tips you can give me.  Thanks again <3
~Julzy

ANSWER: Hi Julzy,
When a fish gets "Cloudy Eye" or "Popeye"  they very often go blind in both eyes.  Popeye is very difficult to cure since there are many reasons why a fish would have this disease, and difficult to determine the cause.  Since it is crucial that he is able to come up for air, you must make his living space more easy for him to get around.  Remove your ornaments, and leave just one silk plant.  It must be silk since it would be much easier for him to wiggle himself out of it incase he would get stuck.  It's sad to see a fish like this, but there is no medication that you could use now to make him better.  Make sure his water is always clean, free of ammonia, and nitrites, and that he eats well.  You know, even blind, a fish knows your presence, and can live happily if well cared for.  However, if you see that he is suffering, and you have tried everything possible, the kindest thing to do would be to put him out of his misery.  I know how difficult this is to do, but sometimes it is best.  If this should happen, do this with clove oil.  You will get all the information on how to do this on the net.  It would be too long for me to write it all down here.  I hope it doesn't come to this, I know how attached we are to our fish, but keep in mind that you will have tried everything, did your best, and there are many other little fish out there who need a good home.
I hope that this will help.
Lynda


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello,

It wasn't popeye or anything like that that caused her blindness - I've had fish with popeye before and she didn't have that, I'm sure of it - And I've removed the ornaments, put a sandwich baggie with air in it under the pump (she would get stuck there or hurt herself, now she just bounces off it and wonders what the heck?) and everyone steers clear of her.  I don't know if they're scared of her or what.

I've heard about the clove oil, and I've thought of buying it just in case of emergency (We've been stuck a few times without it...) and if need be, that's what will happen..

Thank you again for your help. I really appreciate it <3
~Julzy

Answer
Your very welcome Julzy.  I remember Ben, and I'm so sorry he is blind in both eyes.  Sometimes it is very difficult to pinpoint exactly what happened to him.  Do the best you can to help him along.  He may get use to the space he has.  I hope so.
Lynda