Friends fish in need of help.

Just had a message from a friend, their Oscar is unwell.

They say it has a pinkish growth on the nose which is increasing in size. Not had chance to see it in person yet but am going to see tomorrow.

Could this be lympho, what are the other possibilities?

Lymphosystis would usually start on the fins first, it would get into an open wound on the body. If you can get a pic that would be good, Chances are its some sort of growth, or infected wound.

Ok, i'll take the camera.

In the case of a growth or infected wound what should I advise them?

Large water changes and some rich food (possibly soaked in garlic)??

If its a growth they might not be much that can be done, nothing has touched the growth on oddbodd. If its an infected wound it would look more like a blister type growth, any good antibacterial medication, garlic is good it helps build up the immune system. Check exactly where the lump is, if its in any of the sensory pits it maybe HITH, the start of, just occasionally I read that it can start with lumps rather than pits. I can try and help more from a picture

Here's the fish (and yes I advised they needed a bigger tank)









Off topic but, my lord is this fish docile. It shares a tank with 3 severums, a tiny birchir, bolivian rams and kribensis!!

Oh boy!! thats coming direct from the nostrel!!!. I am torn between lympho or a tumour. Best to try garlic foods, check they use dechlrinator! (I know it sounds silly but not using it can cause these sorts of lumps) I doubt an antibacterial med will do much but to run a 5 or 7 day course wouldnt harm. In general the fish looks good, so I am leaning towards a tumour, chances are being an oscar she may knock it off, then be ready with antibacterial meds as the wound will be open. Sorry not much help.

Lutino oscars are generally a lot more passive than tigers and red oscars

Apparently its already been knocked off once.

Will check if they use dechlor, honestly wouldn't be shocked if they didn't.

I have checked the old pictures of J5 the texas that had lympho in the same place, he was a lot more white than on that oscar. If they are not using dechlorinator that could be why its returning to the same spot when it got knocked off, the fish does not have enough slime coat to protect it. Tell them they must use dechlorinator. Try some of this also to help boost the fish http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WATERLIFE-Vitazin-Multi-Vitamin-Fish-Invertebrates-/260830512438?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3cbab5c536