Tail Injury

[clurwitch]

Yesterday I was just thinking about how I should post an update on how well Max and Henry are doing after the couple of initial issues they had when they first came home.

Tonight I went to feed them and found a horrific rip in Max's tail. It's as if he got stuck somewhere and then ripped it off. He doesn't have a filter and other than some natural plants (I got rid of the plastic one ages ago), he only has a mug cave and the floating betta log. I can only think that the log, which floats around, trapped his tail between it and the side of the tank.

I removed it, along with his mug cave. He seems ok, slightly more subdued than usual, but eating and swimming around.

Other than regular water changes, what can I do to promote healing, also do you think he's in pain?

I've included a picture. Poor guy, he was fine when I got home this evening as I, so it must have happened over the last 2 hours.


photo.JPG by , on Flickr

[cjconcepcion]

.. ive never seen a tail ripped at the base like that. i think its safe to put the mug back, just dont put the log back so you can monitor him better.. i dont think the log couldve done that because these guys are alot stronger than they look and the log moves around pretty easily... i dont know if hes in pain or not, if hes acting okay i wouldnt assume so, as far as helping him heal just make sure the water is always clean, how big is the tank? and is it divided?

[clurwitch]

The tank is 5ga, they each have their own.

[cjconcepcion]

i assume its heated and filtered? i think its great that you give your boys individual tanks that big :) is that piece still hanging off of him?

[clurwitch]

I mis-spoke. The tanks are 2.5ga. They are heated, but not filtered.

Yes, that's the remaining bit of tail. It's actually no longer there and he has a split down the middle of the remaining bit.

I can't think how he could do such damage. I'm beginning to think the new kitten may have something to do with it. The tanks have a cover, but a small "door' for feeding. I've taped it down to prevent any accidental opening.

My other betta had a bad tear in his tail from when I had the filters still. It has grown back in. You can see that the "skin" is much thinner, but it's back.

I'm really hoping Max does the same.

[cjconcepcion]

thats alright! i think he will be fine, just up the water changes, and he should heal up in a while. it wont grow back exactly the same, but he'll be okay, he is very beautiful by the way :)