Advice required injured goldfish

[dearn2003]

Hi,
This incident ocurred 3 days ago
I am so glad i found this site as i need some advice from those who have fish and know something... I have had 2 very large goldfish(8-10 inches long) located outside for about 12mths... without going into to much detail i found the first fish on the decking with its head missing... 3 hours later I found its companion on the dirt it was missing an eye and has been partly eaten.... nadless to say my heart sunk as i never saw what did it and i was just near by when it ocurred....i saw its gills moving so i placed it in the water it swam okay.... i have given it food and it has eaten i imediatly topped up the water and placed some conditioner into the water.... as i really didnt know what to do.... I have since placed black covering over the top as i have noticed these crows are still around and i am assumming thast is what did the injury that is all i came up with

lucky (which is what i have named it) is still swimming okay (straight), i dont want to put him down unless i know he is in pain.... as he is swimming okay and eating i am hoping it will heal with time.... I also feel bad as it has lost its companion... i say that as the 2 fish were always beside one another... the pond is big enough that they both could have been on either side but they chose to stay beside one another

How do i know if it is in pain? can i get another fish and if so when? if you have any other advice it will be greatly appreciated

Thanks!!!

[genocidex]

i would say its in pain now, just a guess tho. might be worth it to put it down an get new gold fish (sorry to say).
something to think about tho, crows are EXTREMELY smart you might want to consider something that can cover your pond and lock with a key'ed lock

[dearn2003]

Thanks for the reply... is there a way of knowing if its in pain? I have had to put animals down in my life (something I don't wish on anyone) and even thou this is a fish i really really need to know i am doing the best thing for the fish...

I know if a dog or cat goes off there food they are unwell and if a dog is weeping from the eyes (looks like it is crying) could mean it is in pain does a fish show signs????? do they go off there food? do they swim on there side when they are sick or in pain as well? one of mums dog had a blind pup and the vet wanted to put it down as they said it wont be able to surive or cope with life.... 12 months later the vet is astounded of how the blind pup copes and is every bit a functioning part of the family... :-)))

yes i am building a cover today something of hard wire to cover the top:-) unfortunately i have just learnt how smart they can be ;-(

[genocidex]

hmm not too sure if there is a way to tell how much pain they are feeling. if theres a hunk of it missing then its a good bet its hurting. but maybe some one else here would know more.