Goldy going to the vet - sorry long waffle

[millimurphy]

I posted some time ago about my fancy goldfish Goldy. She has been sank at the bottom of her tank for over a month. I initially rang a fish specialist in Stafford and he gave me lots of good advice and things to try etc. Nothing has worked however - so hubby and I will be going to see him on Tuesday. Vet has already said he probably won't advise any treatment, so in all likelihood he will euthanise her.

All planned out - long drive from Daventry to Stafford - so thought I would ask if my parents would babysit our 16m old son. This was agreed - I knew they would have a little laugh amongst themselves because I am bothering about a fish.

Phonecall today from my dad - we are due to go see parents tommorrow and then follow on to a bonfire get together with my two sisters and respective families. Dad says I should bring the fish over - he has an old tank of ours which he will fill and I can then just leave Goldy with them. Obviously if I can't see her just lying there, trying to move and I think suffering, then all will be OK. I can then save the long journey and cost of the vet, (who dad says is trying to rip me off) and they won't have to come to ours to babysit.

I got off the phone as quickly as I could giving non-committal answers. I am so upset. I think my fish is suffering, I have tried so many things, done constant water checks and changes and they just want me to leave her with them so she can dye a lingerig death.

So what would you do in my position? Sorry for this being so long.

[EauRouge]

I'm so sorry that things are not looking good. :(

If there is truly nothing that can be done then I think I would euthanise her myself and save her the trauma of the journey. It's not a nice thing to have to do, I had to euthanise my favourite veiltail and I cried for ages. But it's peaceful and painless for them. There are instructions here.

A slow death would not be an option for me.

Sorry again that Goldy hasn't responded to any treatment. You tried so hard but sometimes things don't work out, especially with fancy goldfish because they are so delicate.

[Grumpla]

That's pretty insensitive of your dad. Pets are more than "just" anything. Yes it is weird / irrational / whatever but they are still special animals to us. We pour all that love and care into them.

I have to say, I think euthanising her yourself (or could DH do it?) might be the most humane option. Or does the vet think there might be something else he can do?