Euthanasia?

[Haiven]

I have a silver sailfin lyretail molly who was hugely pregnant and gave birth to lots of fry. That was about a week ago. Afterwards she was so weak I thought I would lose her. Since then she has perked up, but I don't think whe can move her tail or the back part of her body anymore. Any movement involves the front half of her body, and while hungry, she's not competitive for food. She seems to be going downhill.

Does anyone want to try to nurse her back to health? She's absolutely gorgeous, all silver except her sailfin, which is mostly silver but has a pale orange pattern.

or

Should I euthanize?

[ElijahTurtle]

If you have to go this route:

How To Humanly Euthanize Your Fish (http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/articles/81)

Clove Oil/Vodka method (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm)

Pricey method of Overdosing the fish on Finquel (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12271)

[tsunderl]

I've had the same scenario happen after one of my mollies has a large number of fry. I think it takes a toll on them. It's a tough call as far as what to do. I isolate mine and time, a little salt, and Stress Coat pulls them through most of the time. May want to give that a try.

[lellison]

aww Haiven, what did you end up doing?

[Haiven]

She died during the night a couple of days ago. I was really sad to lose her since I've had her since she was born. :(

[bra8ndy8]

Sorry to hear
Haiven!

[EAST_TX_RN]

Gee, I am so sorry for your loss!

[tsunderl]

Sorry Haiven. :(

[Misty]

Aw, that stinks! Sorry to hear she passed...

[lellison]

sorry to hear that! Did her babies survive?

[IC Casey]

Not to hijack or anything, but one of our black tetras here became grotesquely ill towards the end of last week and wasn't going to make it. I used the freezing method.

[AndrewH]

@Haiven - well maybe it was for the best. We hate to see 'em go, but maybe is saved her from a terrible next pregnancy.

@IC Casey - That seems like a reasonable solution. Darn shame there aren't Fish Vets to help us out with stuff like this.

[Haiven]

Yes, it seems like tons of fry survived!

[greeneyed]

Yes, it seems like tons of fry survived!

Great news! So her legacy continues..

[lellison]

that is great news. She left you with plenty! Maybe some will look just like mommy.

[ashley.n.ian]

I've heard of maybe one method of Euthanasia being humane, but not the freezing method.

What's the feelings on this? Is there a consensus?

I'm sorry to hear the Mum didn't make it.

[biggin]

Freezing is the preferred method of killing dogs, cats and many other animals. It is also the easiest way to kill a lobster you bring home.

Guess who in the US has the 2 largest freezers(I'll give you a hint _____ for the ethical treatment of animals).....

I am not totally sure that the fish does not die from being out of water before it freezes but it would not be the worst way to go. Has to be better then the toilet where they get the chlorine shock.....

[tsunderl]

I've used the freezing method a few times, unfortunately. I've learned the colder the water, the better. It's quicker.