How to treat Hexamite -hole in the head disease-
Hexamitasis is a disease caused by protozoa, specifically caused by the flagellate protozoan Hexamita sp. (= Octomitus). The best known species are Hexamitas salmonis, H. symphysodonis and H. intestinalis. An additional genus (Spironucleus) is very similar to Hexamita and is not distinguishable from it in the aquarium. It affects freshwater aquarium fish, especially discus fish.
Generalities of the protozoos
Hexamite is a protozoan that belongs to the taxonomic group of Rizo flagellates. In aquarium fish, parasites of the genus Spironucleous primarily infect cichlids and anabantids, causing cachexia (thinness), gastroenteritis, and peritonitis. The parasites can eventually affect other organs. Many cases of spironucleosis in aquarium fish include other parasites or opportunistic bacteria.
Hexamitasis is associated with the syndrome known as “Hole-in-the-head disease”, although its relationship is not fully proven.
Symptomatology
The affected fish or fish are without appetite, sometimes they swim rapidly, with weight loss, a darker color than normal and their stools are filamentous, whitish and long.
As I said before, the association of Hexamitasis with the syndrome of the “Hole in the head disease” syndrome is not fully known, although there are theories that affirm a clear relationship between both diseases. These hypotheses affirm that flagellates such as Hexamite, which is latent in an intestinal infection, spreads hematogenously, affecting the peritoneal cavity, spleen, and liver, being associated with vascularization problems. In later stages, typical hole lesions appear on the fish’s head, first as punctate lesions, producing depigmentation of the skin, and later, expanding and producing crater-shaped lesions, which can be secondarily infected by bacteria and fungi. The last cause of death may be from a secondary microbial infection, that is,
The most recent investigations comment that a high concentration of flagellates in the digestive system of the fish causes poor absorption of nutrients, thus favoring an unstable mineral balance, which causes damage to the fish skeleton, causing hole-shaped lesions in the lateral line of the fish’s head.
Diagnosis
A fecal examination reveals the presence of typical tropozoites, which would give us a reliable diagnosis of the presence of the disease.
To observe the tropozoites we used an optical microscope with a lower magnification lens. We will make a smear of the stool sample and observe it under a microscope. Tropozoites are active, swimming rapidly; although to make a definitive identification we will have to fix the sample.
The clinical diagnosis is usually assumed on the basis of morphological characteristics and hyperactive mobility in preparations “in vivo”.
Advised treatments
The most recommended treatments are focused on the control of Hexamite, although we must also take into account other fundamental issues such as a regular partial change of water, avoid an overcrowding of individuals in the tank, as well as provide our fish with a balanced and varied diet .
We can add an extra vitamin intake to your diet to promote a calcium / phosphorus / vitamin D balance.
1.- When the fish eats:
Can be treated with FishLife 400MG – Metronidazole Aquatic Antibiotics
Medication with Metronidazole is at the rate of 250 mg. for every 100 g. of porridge.
3 meals a day for 3 days and repeat after a week off The second dose (repeat)
3 meals a day for 3 days and repeat after a week off. You can replace the repeat dose with Metronidazole as explained above
2.- When the fish does not eat:
Add one tablet (400 mg) into tank for each 15 gallons
Day 1: Raise the temperature little by little to 87.8 ° F. and keep it that way throughout the treatment. Make a 40% water change and add one tablet (400 mg) into aquarium for each 15 gallons of FishLife 400MG – Metronidazole Aquatic Antibiotics
Day 2: Rest.
Day 3: 40% water change and add one tablet (400 mg) into aquarium for each 15 gallons of FishLife 400MG – Metronidazole Aquatic Antibiotics
Day 4: Rest.
Day 5: 40% water change and add one tablet (400 mg) into aquarium for each 15 gallons of Day 3: 40% water change and add one tablet (400 mg) into aquarium for each 15 gallons of FishLife 400MG – Metronidazole Aquatic Antibiotics
6th day: 40% water change and filter with activated carbon for 3 days.
At this point the fish should already start to eat (often they do so on the third day), then the pap medication is changed with Metrodinazole during the days described in the previous option.
Prevention
Hole In The Head disease (hexamita) is an accumulation of poor water quality, an unbalanced diet, and the parasite itself. To prevent the occurrence, maintain the following:
Pristine water conditions by performing frequent, regular, water changes
Avoid abrupt fluctuations in water temperature
Avoid introducing new fish without first quarantining them
A varied, balanced diet with occasional live foods
