Upper mouth collapse on Goldfish

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I went away for a couple of days last week and presumed my goldfish would be okay. I left the pump on but was not able to feed them. They are both globe eyed common goldfish.

When I returned one guy had lost alot of his pigment but was still in good form. The other however seems to have a problem with his mouth. His upper lip has caved in..His lower lip is still moving and he appears to be breathing okay and I think that he can eat small pieces of food. Although I do see him spitting out food. He is still swimming around.

I don't know if there is anything I can do and would be very grateful if you could provide me some advice.
Thanks

ANSWER: Hey Evelyn

It sounds as though your goldfish has swam into a object inside your tank.

I don't know anything else to suggest but take him to a qualified vet and see what happens from there!


Good Luck     Jack

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

QUESTION: Hi Jack thanks for your reply. I should say that it is the sides of the mouth that have collapsed, so his upper lip looks like an upsidedown V. It does not look like it could be from a collision.
Thanks

Answer
Hey again Evelyn

Right, I think it could be mouth fungus then if it looks like that.

This is caused by a bacterium, Flexibacter Columnaris. The symptoms of this disease are typically erosion of the mouth, commonly associated with a fungal like growth, which is in fact colonies of the column-like bacteria. Like finrot, mouthrot is associated with poor water conditions which must be corrected.

Treatment for Mouthrot / Mouth Fungus:

Treatments (such as Interpet's Anti Fungus and Bacteria No.8) destroys the bacteria, halting mouth erosion although it may take some time for regeneration. The medicine remains active for several days thus preventing an immediate recurrence.


Try that Evelyn and let me know what happens!  Good Luck    Jack