
AILMENTS AND DISEASES 

tives, however, are always beneficial and should be given in repeated small 
doses, a cathartic of castor oil being preferable. Frequently dipping the 
body and fins into dilute peroxide of hydrogen has proven to be an 
effective remedy. Better aeration alone may effect a cure. 
Tartrot. This affection, which seems to be a sequel of a generally 
congested condition, usually starts at the ends of the tail and fins. These 
first assume a serrated and then a shredded appearance, the disease causing 
a decay and separation of the connective 
tissue and the rays, so that they assume 
a bristlelike appearancé. Fig. 79. When 
it reaches the base of the tail and the 
spinal column it is usually fatal; but 
prompt treatment will in most cases ar- 
rest the ravages of the disease and 
effect a cure. 
TREATMENT. The treatment for 
White fungus and Fin congestion should 
be first tried, and if found to be ineffect- 
ive, the affected tail and fins should be 
cut off beyond the diseased parts and 
the fish subjected to a salt bath to prevent a further spread. A laxative 
of epsom salt anda drop of castor oil as a cathartic are usually called for; 
and treatment by dipping the affected parts into a solution of a tablespoon- 
ful of Phenol-sodique in a gill of water, or a 50 per cent. solution of 
peroxide of hydrogen; or into water in which bichloride of mercury has 
been dissolved in the proportion of one tablet to the pint, have been re- 
commended and tried with success, but great care must be taken in using 
this latter remedy that it does not get on the gills. Good results have 
also been produced by applications of Turlington’s Balsam as before sug- 
gested for Fungus, and of the Tincture of aloesand myrrh. Caustic mineral 
acids, especially nitric acid have been used by experts with success. To 
cauterize the affected parts; applications should be made with a skewer of 
soft wood dipped into the acid. This remedy should be resorted to only 
when the others have failed to effect a cure. 
Gitt Concestion. This disease, also known as Asphyxia and “Sore 
throat,” occurs with fishes which have been subjected to sudden changes 
of temperature of the water or to other exposures that may cause inflamma- 

FIG. 79. Fins of a Goldfish affected with Tail-rot; 
early stage. 
tion or congestion of the gills, such as removal from the house aquarium 
to an. out-of-door existence, undue exposure, improper water conditions or 
similar causes that disarrange the respiratory organs, affect the functions 
of the gills and debilitate the fish. Loss of appetite, emaciation and 
140 
