I'm not ashamed to admit it, I bawl like a baby afterwards if they've been with me a while, but I don't hesitate. Hesitation only causes them unnecessary pain. I use the hammer method for fish, cradle them in my arms while the vet gives the injection for furkids. Furkids really tear me up, but I wouldn't feel right if I wasn't there for them.
Yeah. I have a fish place close, so it would be a short drive. At this point, while he is swollen, scales are sticking out (which would be logical if swollen beyond their capacity), and he spends time at the bottom tucked between his "rock" (plastic hollow thing with holes that would resemble a boulder if solid) and the side of the tank to stay upright - but he still swims with vigor, and still demands food whenever I look in his direction - so I'm giving the Maracyn plus a try. And still giving him peas. In fact, he's gotten more aggressive about getting food - he used to hide a lot, now he's right there and jumping for food.
I have to be here at work "on call" this weekend, so I'm going to bring up a lot of water and do some serious 100% water changes with tank cleaning and all.
dg
