The Fish Vet's Blog

While the weather is warming up nicely in

Perth, our Melbourne counterparts aren’t enjoying this nice weather.

The chronic cold can wreak havoc with pond fish health. Any diseases will be slowly festering away and can lead to fish deaths. One of the more common diseases seen is Ichthyobodo (preciously Costia) and it’s a real fish-killer. Treatment is relatively easy, but what else could the pond be harbouring? Flukes? Chilodonella? And more?

If you’re in Melbourne,  you can still access TheFishVet’s Diagnostic Services. Just call in at Boronia Aquarium to find out how.

 

 
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Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh 

DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics& Pathobiology), CertAqV, NATA Signatory.
THE FISH VET, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA. 

Mobile Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383

As “The Fish Vet”, Dr Richmond Loh provides veterinary, and pathology services for a range of clients including the likes of pet fish, display aquaria, retailers and fish farmers (ornamental and food fish). He has been admitted to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examinations in the subjects of Pathobiology, and Aquatic Animal Health. He is a Certified Aquatic Veterinarian and has been awarded the George Alexander International Fellowship by the International Specialised Skills Institute. He is a Past-President of the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association, and continues to help the veterinary and para-professional communities by serving as WAVMA Webinar co-ordinator/moderator and WAVMA Executive Board Member. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Murdoch University and provides advice on fish health and welfare to several universities and the RSPCA.

 

He has published practical manuals and instructional videos to help fellow veterinarians and fish owners, for the betterment of fish health and welfare globally:

·         “Fish Vetting Essentials” (book)

·         “Fish Vetting Medicines – Formulary of Fish Treatments” (book)

·         “Fish Vetting Techniques & Practical Tips” (DVD).

 
—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh 

DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics& Pathobiology), CertAqV, NATA Signatory.

Aquatic Veterinarian and Veterinary Pathologist.
THE FISH VET, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA. 

Mobile Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383

"Pet debates are dominated by cat lovers and dogs lovers both trying to assert their pet is best. But they’re all wrong, because there is a pet world beyond wagging tails, barking and whiskers.

Goldfish are the pet that brighten my life and home."

Read more here.
http://gu.com/p/4ceph/sbl

Dear Sir / Madam,

I and my colleagues would not want to lose our veterinary registration for supplying medicines without having examined your fish.

For rules regarding medicines, I refer you to a recent blog post – https://thefishvet.com/2015/09/18/can-veterinarians-fill-another-veterinarians-prescriptions“>https://thefishvet.com/2015/09/18/can-veterinarians-fill-another-veterinarians-prescriptions/

 
—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh 

DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics& Pathobiology), CertAqV, NATA Signatory.
THE FISH VET, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA. 

Mobile Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383

Get empowered with knowledge at
http://www.wavma.org/WebCEPD

 
—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh 

DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics& Pathobiology), CertAqV, NATA Signatory.
THE FISH VET, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA. 

Mobile Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383

I often receive requests to dispense medicines by potential clients.

The short answer to the question is, YES, as a registered veterinarian, I can obtain, possess, administer, supply, or prescribe medicines including antibiotics for your fish or other aquatic animals, provided I have examined them personally.

However, a veterinarian is unable to dispense medicines. That is, we are not allowed to fill prescriptions created by another veterinarian. Only the veterinarians who have examined your animals can prescribe/dispense in each case. This was in the latest newsletter by the Veterinary Surgeons Board WA.

I do provide remote consultancy (via phone or Skype), and so any advice given can only be general, and medicines cannot be dispensed or prescribed.

To arrange a remote (phone or Skype) consultation, please select the item from the shopping cart at http://thefishvet.com.au/shop/shopping.html ;

If medicines are needed, and there’s no fish vet in your area, it’s best to work through your local general veterinary practitioner. They can collect diagnostic samples to send to me for testing. Once I’ve made the diagnosis, I can advise your veterinarian on the course of action. In this way, I will be able help you, your fish, or farm.
 
—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh 

DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics& Pathobiology), CertAqV, NATA Signatory.
THE FISH VET, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA. 

Mobile Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383

I particularly like this line,
"My last goldfish was fine, he lived happily for two years"
If the goldfish was maybe 18 years when purchased, then I might have time for this oft-touted line… A goldie when kept correctly should be reaching a good 20 years or so at the least. For a goldfish to be dying within two years, or sometimes earlier than this, is indicative of a major problem that needs to be addressed before yet another fish goes of to die in its infancy.

Read more here –
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/content.php?sid=3880

Laboratory processing can take time, and is difficult to access for private fish owners and aquaculturists.

We have the tools to make a diagnosis on the spot, and this allows you to start targeted treatment instantly. As a Certified Aquatic Veterinarian, this is the part The Fish Vet does best.

For cases that might be a little more complex, The Fish Vet can collect relevant samples for laboratory testing. Dr Richmond Loh has gained Memberships in the subject of Veterinary Pathology by examination, and is therefore qualified to do his own histopathology examinations and reporting. The Fish Vet pretty much brings the lab to the field!

With the right diagnosis, we’re on to a solution!

How good is that?

Follow me on: Facebook "Fin Page" – YouTube – Blog – Linkedin – Twitter

—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics & Pathobiology), CertAqV, CMAVA, NATA Signatory.
Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist
THE FISH VET, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA.
Mobile Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383

Skype: thefishvet

President WAVMA 2014

Adjunct Lecturer Murdoch University | Secretary Aquatic Animal Health Chapter – ANZCVS | 2014 President WAVMA

See advert on YouTube.

Fish keepers are reminded to minimise the biosecurity risks when introducing new fish (from a retailer, breeder or friend), or returning fish to their ponds.

The Fish Vet, Dr Richmond Loh said, “Fish keepers should ensure they have as much information as possible before buying new fish.”

“The chief tool for managing biosecurity risks when buying new fish is to have them vet-checked as part of a pre-purchase exam.” Dr Loh said. This is so important if you are buying valuable fish, or have irreplaceable fish at home.

“This is designed for early detection of disease before they become a problem, as a way to mitigate the risk of introducing common bacterial and parasitic infections.”

Dr Loh noted that biosecurity risks could also come from show-koi, or unsold koi from auctions returning to the property.

“The risk from returning koi is best managed by medicated baths prior to re-entry to your ponds,” Dr Loh said.

“In particular, check the health of other fish at the show. Also consider isolating the returning fish for at least two to three weeks, and perform pre-emptive treatment baths.”

Dr Loh said koi keepers and discus owners in particular often treated fish purchased from other owners, differently from fish purchased at retail outlets. But all fish can carry all the same diseases as all other fish.

For more information on aquatic animal biosecurity, see TheFishVet.com.au

Follow me on: Facebook "Fin Page" – YouTube – Blog – Linkedin – Twitter

—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh
DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics & Pathobiology), CertAqV, CMAVA, NATA Signatory.
THE FISH VET, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA.
Mobile Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383
Skype: thefishvet

President WAVMA 2014

Adjunct Lecturer Murdoch University | Secretary Aquatic Animal Health Chapter – ANZCVS.

Looking for more books? Check out this site.
See advert on YouTube.

"A high fish diet lowers the risk of becoming depressed by around 17 per cent, studies show. For men it is even higher, cutting the likelihood by 20 per cent…

Studies involving more than 150,000 people have suggested the omega 3 fatty acids in fish may alter the production of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin, both of which are thought to be involved in depression."

Read more here – http://health.thewest.com.au/news/2256/antidepression-diet-is-highly-fishy