Goldfish has mouth rot

Question
QUESTION: I am new to goldfish.  I have a fish with a bad case of mouth rot.  I had my water
tested and it had dangerously high levels of ammonia.  I changed 50% of the
tank water. I started the fish on maracyn and maracyn 2 today.  I am concerned
that my fishes mouth is so swollen and deformed that she cannot eat.  What do I
do?

ANSWER: Hi Alison,
Definitely due to ammonia levels. You are doing a good job already by doing a large water change and treating with the antibiotics. There's not much else you can do besides that. Water changes are extremely important now.

Help her as best you can to make sure she eats. If you see her suck it inside her mouth and she doesn't loose it through her gills then all is well. Goldfish can go a good while without eating, weeks at a time.

Best of luck and let me know how she is doing!
Karen~

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

QUESTION: Dear Karen, Thank you for your quick response.  I have had my goldfish on
antibiotics for the recommended 5 days, although her energy level is better,
her mouth still looks awful.  She seems to have an ulcer or something.  Her
mouth has a pointed beak shape.  Will this go away?  Should I continue the
antibiotics until her mouth improves?  I look forward to your response.  --
Alison  

Answer
I might continue treating for as long as your goldy seems to have an infection in her mouth (redness ect...) Stopping treatment may cause the bacteria to resume full-force again. And daily water changes will always help in healing.

Best of luck!
Karen~