Fungal Parasite

Question
Recently, my girlfriend added tiger barbs to a 40 gallon tank where she had dojo loaches. I believe the dojo was attacked by a barb. This left the dojo injured which in turn helped to get her a cotton fungus covering most of her tail (about 1/2 inch) Since the fungus has eaten her tail exposing her back vertabrae. Its so sad!! I recently put aquarium salt,turned the temp up and put the recommended dose of Chalamite Green in the aquarium. The fungus seemed to have stopped but her vertabrae is still exposed! Will skin cells grow around the vertabrae again or will she eventually die from this? I dont know what to do. She must be in pain!

Answer
Dear Nemo,
Poor Dojo Loach, I'm very sorry to hear that.

Fortunately most fish can heal some severe wounds quite well but I am not sure about a wound as you described. The possibility of wounds healing successfully is always uncertain. I would not give up hope and just insure the water quality is extremely good. Make sure the Tiger barbs are not nibbling on the wound either.

The wound should heal over with time and insuring the water quality is perfect (ZERO ammonia and Nitrites, nitrate less than 10ppm) and that no other fish are picking on her injury.

Only my very best wishes and best of luck!
Karen~