Seahorse in the Nursing Home

[poniegirl]

Well, it has happened. My seahorse, Sophia, has been put in the 20 long tank to convalesce.
As said before, I purchased her as an adult. She had lost her mate in shipping and I have some suspicions that she was a brood mare. She has been with us for 2+ years. I estimate she is at least 3 years old. The very least.
Monday night she was unable to swim down for food. I have thoroughly examined her for signs of distress, gas bubbles, skin problems. She looks perfect. If it is internal gas, there isn't much I can do.
Old age is hell. To feed her now, I use a baster to place the shrimp and then she hitches onto the baster and I literally stand there while she feeds. She's a grand old gal.
Some photos, she's the biggest.

 

[bobwire]

well everywhere I've looked, they say that the oldest breeds live to only 3-5 years. I would post some links, but that is apparently wrong. (By the way I think it sad that you can't link to great reference material.)

 

[poniegirl]

Originally Posted by BobWire
well everywhere I've looked, they say that the oldest breeds live to only 3-5 years. I would post some links, but that is apparently wrong. (By the way I think it sad that you can't link to great reference material.)
It's okay, I've googled every possible thing in the last three days. But thank you.
I know she was someone else's favorite because she was very hand friendly when I got her. That had to have taken some time. Wish she could talk.

 

[alyssia]

Aw, I'm sorry about your horsey (sp). You do know about the great seahorse site, right? Is sounds like you've covered all your bases though and checked for everything you can.
Again, sorry about Sophia.

 

[ginarox]

i am so sorry too....i wish you the best....have a good day...

 

[poniegirl]

Thank you.
After feeding her this morning, I went back in and here she was hitched to the new feeding rock. I guess the tank being as shallow as it is, she can get down that far and hitch. Alyssia, I know you can relate to the feeding schedule issue, and just add having to hold the post she hitches to...poor dear.
But home today for lunch, she is floating (tho not horizontal). It's like watching a clock wind down.

 

[canisee2]

thats so sad my first seahorse i got a couple of years ago when i brought it home from the fish store i acclamated it(sp?) and then it turns out it has a bubble disease so we took it back to the store that day and they kept it over night for us but it didnt make it so when we asked for a refund they said no because we had already put it in the tank so i didnt get my 75 dollars back

i thought i would just share that and she is a pretty seahorse hate to see her go but they dont live very long

Austin

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by PonieGirl
Thank you.
After feeding her this morning, I went back in and here she was hitched to the new feeding rock. I guess the tank being as shallow as it is, she can get down that far and hitch. Alyssia, I know you can relate to the feeding schedule issue, and just add having to hold the post she hitches to...poor dear.
But home today for lunch, she is floating (tho not horizontal). It's like watching a clock wind down.

Poor thing. I found one of my seahorses stuck to a PH once and panicked. Luckily she was okay. It's so hard seeing something you have loved and cared for "wind down". Hang in there!
Kellee (Alyssia is actually my youngest daughter's name)

 

[poniegirl]

I appreciate the support, Kellee and all of you. Something about these fish just tugs the heart when they are in dispair.

 

[alyssia]

It sure is upsetting...

 

[alyssia]

bump...how is she doing?

 

[poniegirl]

Well, she's still floating, vertical thank goodness. Still hitches to the heater to sleep. I still have to lead her to the feeding station, but have figured out how to hitch her to the rock, so she gets plenty to eat.
I'm not sure what more to do. She still looks fine (?) It's a pretty bizarre. She sort of totters around but then will hitch and can stay there. She can't maintain directional control. Her fins are fine and she doesn't clamp them, so I assume she isn't suffering.
Belatedly, thank you for asking.

 

[rykna]

Awwwwwww she sure is beautiful. If I was an old seahorse I check in to your nursing home any day! hears a cyber hug for you!

 

[alyssia]

PonieGirl, have you asked for opinions on the awesome seahorse site? (I hope you know what I'm talking about)

 

[poniegirl]

Originally Posted by alyssia
PonieGirl, have you asked for opinions on the awesome seahorse site? (I hope you know what I'm talking about)
I do know. :notsure: I was registered 2 years ago and then came here. The monologues (sorry P) wore thin; there was no discussion, like we (or I) enjoy here. I had no issues there, that I am aware of, and didn't really require anything. Last post I made was to inqiure about a seagrass bed, which is how I ended up with caulerpa all over the place.

Tried to log in last week and was told my membership is suspended until Nov 30. I can't even view, unless I happen on a specific google

. I have searched every possible wording.
If you find any info I would so appreciate hearing. Feel free to make Sophia yours for the purpose. She eats well, can force herself to swim down, but cannot control her direction. It takes longer than normal to focus on the food. I think she is at least 3 yrs old. Her color is excellent, no outward signs of distress. I am at a total loss, unless it is just old age? I have a burden that I can't help her, tho I would do anything.
Additionally, my other seahorse that I have kept about 6 mos longer than Sophia, in the same 55 tank, is fine and is still in the 55.
Michele

 

[poniegirl]

Originally Posted by Rykna
Awwwwwww she sure is beautiful. If I was an old seahorse I check in to your nursing home any day! hears a cyber hug for you!

Thank you! These fish are a bit different than their horizontal cousins in a lot of ways.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by PonieGirl
I do know. :notsure: I was registered 2 years ago and then came here. The monologues (sorry P) wore thin; there was no discussion, like we (or I) enjoy here. I had no issues there, that I am aware of, and didn't really require anything. Last post I made was to inqiure about a seagrass bed, which is how I ended up with caulerpa all over the place.

Tried to log in last week and was told my membership is suspended until Nov 30. I can't even view, unless I happen on a specific google

. I have searched every possible wording.
If you find any info I would so appreciate hearing. Feel free to make Sophia yours for the purpose. She eats well, can force herself to swim down, but cannot control her direction. It takes longer than normal to focus on the food. I think she is at least 3 yrs old. Her color is excellent, no outward signs of distress. I am at a total loss, unless it is just old age? I have a burden that I can't help her, tho I would do anything.
Additionally, my other seahorse that I have kept about 6 mos longer than Sophia, in the same 55 tank, is fine and is still in the 55.
Michele

Hey Michele,
Can you shoot me an email?
kellee71 at hellokitty.com
thanks, kellee

 

[torno]

Floating sounds like GBD, gas bubble disease, in which case you should treat with Diamox. Do you need me to get information for you?? I'm a member over there.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by Torno
Floating sounds like GBD, gas bubble disease, in which case you should treat with Diamox. Do you need me to get information for you?? I'm a member over there.

Me too. I think she said she already checked for signs of GBD.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by Torno
Floating sounds like GBD, gas bubble disease, in which case you should treat with Diamox. Do you need me to get information for you?? I'm a member over there.

Ya know what, the more I read about GBD the more I think that may be it. Even if it's not I don't see how treating with the diamox can make things worse.
I guess she can't do a pouch evacuation though since Sophia is a girl. Isn't their still a way you can use a needle to get the gas bubble out? I'm gonna check on that now.