For reasons that I just posted in the thread about "fish with a bent spine", I currently have a dwarf gourami who is in bad shape because of what i think is a parasite. I am not sure the name of the parasite, or if that is what it postitively is. It was brought on by excessively high nitrite levels, and matches the symptoms that i have heard mean a parasite. I put 1tbsp of salt in the tank several days ago, and the temperature is at 82 degrees. He perked up a little bit after i put the salt in, but i think i took action too late, because now he appears to be dying. He is just lying on the bottom of the tank, occasionally drifting around, and having trouble righting himself if he is on his side.
Onto the subject of this post: I cannot be sure whether or not he is in pain. Personally, i do believe he is, but i'm also not sure how strong his will to live is. I am not sure if he will still be alive when i wake up, but I was wondering about some of your opinions on this subject. i entitled this a MORAL question, because i already know the method that i would use to euthanize him. i am just wondering about the opinions of other people on detecting signs of pain and will for life in another species of animal. Also looking for opinions on what the responsibilities are of a person that takes an entire miniature environment into their control.
Onto the subject of this post: I cannot be sure whether or not he is in pain. Personally, i do believe he is, but i'm also not sure how strong his will to live is. I am not sure if he will still be alive when i wake up, but I was wondering about some of your opinions on this subject. i entitled this a MORAL question, because i already know the method that i would use to euthanize him. i am just wondering about the opinions of other people on detecting signs of pain and will for life in another species of animal. Also looking for opinions on what the responsibilities are of a person that takes an entire miniature environment into their control.