Platy with unusual spot

Question
Hi,

I have a Red Wag Platy that went a little quiet for a while - very tired then developed a white bubble spot/lump under his mouth. We medicated with an antibacterial and then a parasitic medicine as we could not be sure what he had and had been given various amounts of advice. He now seems fine although the lump has not gone or grown. He eats well. He has no other symptoms - apart from a little disclouration underneath his stomach - a whitish haze.
Any ideas - could it be viral. Very odd!! Just do not want to put any other meds in the tank.

Answer
Hi Kat,
Could be an injury or it could be one of the many kinds of bumps fish commonly get. Here's a pasted article explaining the bumps commonly found on fish.

"Lumps and bumps: there are a number of diseases that begin this way. (1) tumors or lymphocystis which are viral in origin and not treatable, (2) fish pox which is also viral and not treatable (3) various forms of ulcer disease which are caused by Pseudomonas or Aeromonas and are treatable, (4) HITH or LLE which has varied causes and treatments, (5) Costia - a parasite that nearly always causes little red hemorrhages, especially under the chin, (6) various bacterial diseases caused by such as Columnaris, (7) Neoplasm formations.

Lumps and bumps that suddenly appear are usually bacterial infections. If the disease process is due to bacteria, it usually resolves by rupture (like a boil) pretty quickly. The white liquid that oozes out is pus that is formed when the white blood cells (immune cells) die while killing bacteria (in general). NEVER TRY TO POP OR SQUEEZE THE LUMP. Like a boil in humans, squeezing can cause regurgitation of the pus into the blood stream of the fish with deadly results. It is also not a good idea to seal a draining wound unless it is bleeding. The most common bacteria which causes such lumps is Columnaris or Aeromonas.

Wounds that are white on the edges and red in the center are most typically Aeromonas. Those that are red on the edges and white in the center are generally Columnaris. Both are gram negative bacteria. The best treatment for this is any sulfa antibiotic with trimetheprim. This can be put in the water and mixed with food -- if you can find Romet B use it. "




The best I can recommend is to watch it and keep up with maintaining excellent water quality and a quality diet high in vitamins and such.

Best wishes and I hope this helps!
Karen~