Hole in the Head Syndrome-discus fish disease

 The 'hole in the head disease' can be fatal and at present, very little literature is written about the cure for it. The symptoms that started off as a small "pimple" on the head erupts and grow into a deep crater that may affect the skull/head. Worst scenario is fatality and in lucky circumstances, it may just remain as scars on the face. Unfortunately, the disease is difficult to cure as it rarely responds to any medication. There are some water proof cream with antibiotic functions that can be applied to the injury areas but there's no real guarantee it will work.
This is a disease often associated with Discus, but it also affects Geophagus species, Uaru amphiacanthoides and Astronotus ocellatus. If treated correctly it need not be a problem. if.. left untreated, it can cause permanent scarring and even death. The most important treatment is heat treatment. Over a couple of days raise the temperature from 30C to 36C. Additional aeration will be required to ensure adequate oxygen supply. This temperature must be maintained for 8 to 10 days for full recovery, however, the temperature must be dropped if the fish goes into stress. In addition to heat, the fish can be given Flagyl (Metronidazole) orally once every three days for the duration of the heat treatment. See next paragraph for the method.