Ryukin Goldfish - Wound Won't Heal - (Jsoong?)

[Twoapennything]

Jsoong, I'm hoping you might be around with some advice. Advice from everyone is welcome, of course.

Some of you might remember that my fancy Ryukin goldfish, Lady, got stuck in a resin castle ornament about six (?) weeks ago - I made a post about it and about ornament safety. Anyhow, Lady came out of it with a few less scales and a small scrape behind his right eye. Otherwise, he was fine.

Except, the wound hasn't healed. It looks slightly ulcerated and tender. I started Lady on Melafix tonight, but I wonder if that will be enough. Any advice on treating a wound that won't heal properly? It was really hard to get pictures of this wound, but I did the best I could and pics are attached to the end of this post.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[jsoong]

I can't see enough from the pic to tell if the wound is infected.

Generally, an infected wound would be red & inflamed looking (which I don't see here), or perhaps it is full of pus or dead tissue so ragged looking. I don't really see that here. If the wound is getting bigger or deeper, I would be worried. But if there is new skin growing in & it looks clean, I would be leaving things alone.

To treat an infected wound, you would:
1. Maintain really clean water.
2. Sedate fish & clean wound with a wet Q-tip, removing dead tissue.
3. Cover wound with an anti-biotic ointment.
4. Optionally feed an anti-biotic food &/or add a bit of salt to the water.

More info on treating ulcers here:
How to Clean an Ulcer or Fin Rot | Illness and Treatment

However, I don't think that the wound is that bad on the pic. If it isn't getting bigger, a bit of salt (or malafix should be OK) an clean water should suffice. I would reserve the big guns only if it is getting worse.