Massively Swollen and Lumpy Eye

[MeadMan 0]

About a year ago our 12-15 year old goldfish's eye changed colour, we didn't think much of it as he was acting normally and our other fish have changed colouration and markings over the years with no issue.

The problem is that it has been very gradually getting bigger and has gotten aggressively larger the last 4 - 6 months. When this happened we thought is was popeye and started treating him with Melafix with no improvements, and as recently as a month ago we have started seeing the emergence of fatty lumps forming on the surface and the base of the eye. Some of these fatty lumps now appear to be 'damaged' and sponge like in texture, the only other fish we have seen with a similar symptom was one we had years back who had a large tumor on their head, which eventually killed them. Klaus (our currently sick Goldfish in question) is still in good health otherwise, and they continue to eat and swim with the other fish in the tank unabated.

 

I'm dreading that this might be a tumor, but if it is, is there any way it can be treated?

 

[FishyMandy 6,272]

Wow, that is massive  I do think it is a tumor, in which case there isn't really anything that can be done aside from surgery, but could I get you to fill this out anyway? It will help us advise you

 

 

Test Results for the Following:

 Ammonia Level(Tank)

 Nitrite Level(Tank)

 Nitrate level(Tank)

 Ammonia Level(Tap)

 Nitrite Level(Tap)

 Nitrate level(Tap)

 Ph Level, Tank (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)

 Ph Level, Tap (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)

Other Required Info:

 Brand of test-kit used and whether strips or drops?

 Water temperature?

 Tank size (how many gals.) and how long has it been running?

 What is the name and "size of the filter"(s)?

 How often do you change the water and how much?

 How many days ago was the last water change and how much did you change?

 How many fish in the tank and their size?

 What kind of water additives or conditioners?

 What do you feed your fish and how often?

 Any new fish added to the tank?

 Any medications added to the tank?

 List entire medication/treatment history for fish and tank.Please include salt, Prazi, PP, etc and the approximate time and duration of treatment.

 Any unusual findings on the fish such as "grains of salt," bloody streaks, frayed fins or fungus?

 Any unusual behavior like staying at the bottom, not eating, etc.?

[Arctic Mama 3,625]

Oh that looks so painful!  Yes, I agree it’s very likely a tumor, given the long timeline.  Please fill out the form Mandy linked with as much detail as possible, especially with the history and behavior of this fish.  

It may be possible to anesthetize and operate on the eye to remove the worst of the tissue explosion, but that close to the brain there isn’t much to be done.