Clout for Tropheus?

Question

My husband keeps Tropheus and they seem to have bloat and white feaces.
None of the vets will perscribe clout for them in Australia.
Is there another way I could get this medication for our fish?

Answer 1

Bloat, especially in combination with white stringy feces, is often caused by a bacterial disease and I wouldn't suggest Clout for treating that honestly. The best antibiotics for internal infections are nifurpirinol (Furanace) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro). There are several other drugs in the same class as Cipro, fluoroquinolones, that also work quite well including norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and lomefloxacin (Maxaquin). Maybe a vet will work with you getting one of these drugs as they are available for human use as well (except for nifurpirinol, it is no longer available for human use). I have found several of thesse to be very effective for internal infections that cause the symptom of bloat.

If I can help further feel free to email me.

MM

Answer 2

I hate to go against what MM says, but in this case I must. Clout is strong and highly effective, and perfect for bloat in tropheus. When mine came down with it only a week after I got them (the stress of moving alone can cause it) it worked brilliantly and I lost no fish. Forget vets, any fish store should carry the stuff, or something like it. Not to say the other recommendations won't work, but clout does work - well.

Of course, make sure he's doing the right things to keep it from happening again. They need a big tank and to be kept in high numbers to distribute aggression. They are highly herbivorous feeders and should be feed primarily spirulina flake and if you wish, fresh veggies, with regular small sized cichlid pellets as a supplement. They need to be in a well maintained tank with pristine water with a ton of rocks for hiding spots.

Answer 3

Check out this article on Hex http://www.simplydiscus.com/library/disease_medications/internal/hexamitiasis.shtml Here in the states Metro is sold over the counter at pet shops under different brand names. Flagyl is sold at horse feed stores in paste form. I have no idea if either are available without a prescription in Australia.
Here's an article on Malawi bloat. It can happen to Tropheus species too. http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/malawi_bloat.php Bloat is most likely what is happening to your fish. There is alot of debate on what exactly causes it, but the three main suspects are stress, improper additions of salt, and improper diet. Good luck!