Please confirm this is the correct dosage for levamisole HCL, thanks!

[philipraposo1982]

I just collected a sample of his fresh feces and check it. I found 1 worm in there, it wasn't moving at all. I'm assuming it's paralyzed from the levamisole.

I guess the initial.treatment is working to some degree. I will make sure the next two treatments are don't at night in darkness. And cover up the tank with light off for the day.

He still wouldn't eat today though

 

[RD.]

Last time I used Levamisole was 7 years ago, on a FH that was recently imported from Bangkok. Worms started being expelled from the fish within 2 hours of treatment. No need to cover the tank, unless it is in direct sunlight. Otherwise just leave the tank lights off. Typically the product itself is stored/sold in a light proof container. Also, it is best stored in a cool/dry environment, but doesn't need to go in the fridge. I stored mine in a solid opaque glass container, in a dark closet, in a cool basement, for a few years.

Stability
Tendency of a material to resist change or decomposition due to internal reaction, or due to the action of air, heat, light, pressure, etc. (See also Stability and Reactivity section under Safety and Hazards)

Bulk: Levamisole appears to be stable in the bulk form at 60°C for at least four weeks. Solution: At 100 mg/mL concentrations in water and pH 7 buffer, the compound is stable for at least 9 days when stored at ambient temperature under normal laboratory illumination.

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Levamisole_hydrochloride#section=Stability


Last but not least, there is really no need to treat 3 times, unless you start seeing things under your scope. Some people on FH forums would deworm their fish once a year, but again, no need to unless one is constantly reintroducing worms into their tanks. The only reason for the second treatment is just in case any eggs/larvae survive the initial treatment.

 

[philipraposo1982]

So it's my understanding that the eggs are unaffected by the levamisole which is why they need to hatch and then resided to paralyzed the new larva.

I also wonder about the length of paralysis that the worms and larva undergo. Like is it indefinite amount of time and they will die because they are unable to eat? Or is it just like a few days? What if through siphoning I don't get every last one? Clearly if I need a scope to see the worms I cant ensure that there is nothing remaining in the tank.

 

[RD.]

Life cycles differ depending upon the species of nematode. I posted a link, twice now I believe, to Dr. Yanong`s protocol. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa091
As stated in that link - "Nematodes, or roundworms, have been found in numerous species of fish. Because they are similar to other worm-like parasites of fish, proper diagnosis is important for effective treatment."

If your diagnosis is correct, the larval stage of those nematodes will also be killed, but yes, clearly you want to remove as much dead or "paralyzed" worms as possible after treatment. Same with feces, same with filter media.

My suggestion would be quit trying to overthink this, and just follow the protocol as outlined in the link above. At some point your fishes immune system has to pick up the slack, and its immune system will be the final deciding factor. This is how the vast majority of hobbyists have approached fish with worms, for decades. I treated the fish, and never looked back. No scope, no need. All Systems Normal. You see signs of worm infestation, you treat, and problems go away. If problems keep coming back after treatment, and after possible retreatment, then you have to decide how best to continue.

A common sense approach and following proper documented protocol has almost always worked for me - with the caveat of this - in todays fish rooms there can be super bugs found, pathogens/parasites that do not always respond to typical medication, or those that are completely immune due to decades of overuse of certain meds within aquaculture circles. We have fish imported from SE Asia, mixing with fish in Florida ponds, mixing with wild fish from all points on the globe, and sometimes things are already beyond our control before these fish even reach the LFS. Not all farms have strict biosecurity measures in place, some probably have little to none. Imagine what happens when a hurricane hits a farm with open ponds and concrete vats. Fish & water, and numerous organisms (good and bad) mixing everywhere.

The good news is, it sounds like your fish got a good cleaning out from the initial treatment, so another treatment in 2-3 weeks should completely resolve the problem. If you want to treat again 2-3 weeks after that, it probably won`t hurt, but I have personally never required a 3rd treatment to eradicate worms.

 

[Charney]

i treat 100mg per 10gallons and repeat in one week

 

[Benno87]

How is Kai getting on after the treatment mate? Hope he is improving for you.

 

[philipraposo1982]

How is Kai getting on after the treatment mate? Hope he is improving for you.

Thanks for your concern Benno87.

Kai literally did a complete change in about 48-72 hours after the first levamisole treatment. The first thing I noticed after removing the meds from the water was his attitude. He quickly card down and wasn't spooked easily as while on the meds.

His colors went a bit dull while on Trent but that I think is to be expected. I waited about 15 hours before attempting to feed him. He started really begging for food so I gave in. He has been eating aggressively since. All clear poop is gone as well.

I have looked at some fecal slides on the scope since and can't find anything at all. Nothing! No eggs or larva or worms.

I still plan to do the follow up treatment 3 weeks from the first one to ensure they have all been killed and removed.

His colors also improved alot too!

 

[philipraposo1982]

Second treatment starts today. Aside from some.random flashing (not sure if it's related) Kai is doing great. This next treatment is to ensure all eggs that hatched since into larva can now be eliminated.

I may even do a third treatment in another 3 weeks just to be 100% sure I got all the capillaria eggs larva and worms from the system.

2-3 weeks is the lifecycle for this particular parasite.