What to do if your fish has bent spine?

Have you seen Arnold Schwazenegar at his prime? Well, he has nothing compared to fish. You see, fish have massive muscles on either side of their spine. Their spine is relatively fragile and is prone to fracture from the forces of muscle contraction. I’ve seen fish with fractures from jumping and landing incorrectly, from electrocution and even from lighting strike!

For those that sustain traumatic injury, could we immobilise it so that it heals straight? Theoretically yes, and external fixateurs and rods come to mind. However, practically no. I believe it’d put the fish in more pain. Having said this, spinal curvatures can get worse with time as their muscles tense and pull on the spine. So it’ll have to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Fish should be rested in a shallow tank, just enough to keep them upright for the next few weeks.

Fish are lucky in that they are supported by the body around them. So they are not under the same forces as us terrestrial dwellers.

Our considered opinion is that so long as your fish is still eating and getting around with ease, then their quality of life will be acceptable.

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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.

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Mycobacteriosis – the slow, silent fish killer. How can you tell if your fish are infected? Can you catch it?

The disease is caused by a bacteria in the genus Mycobacteria. Another name for the disease is fish TB (short for fish tuberculosis). It can affect your fish grown in ponds, your aquarium fishes, or your zebrafish facility. Some of the species I’ve frequently diagnosed mycobacteriosis include livebearers (e.g. guppies), rainbow fishes, Bettas (aka Siamese fighting fish), gouramis, danios (e.g. zebrafish), various cichlids and goldfish.

The key to understanding fish tuberculosis and its control is to understand the epidemiology of the disease. The bacteria is present in soil (fish raised in earthen ponds), may be harboured in the filter, and carried by persistently infected fish. The immune system of infected fish mounts a response to encase the bacteria in layers upon layers of white blood cells known as macrophages. But this is never enough to kill the bacteria. The bacteria is slowly allowed to replicate, unchecked, these infected fishes go on to shed large amounts of bacteria for their entire lives.

The disease itself may be difficult to diagnose or even recognise, and is often mistaken for a multitude of different diseases. Clinical signs may include swimming disorders, buoyancy disorders, skin ulcers, bloat, dropsy, pop-eye, appetite loss, ill-thrift and more. The reason for the variable clinical presentations is because it depends on which organ/s are affected. In the accompanying picture, the bacteria (in red colour) has taken over the brain. This is the reason for the neurological presentation. This fish was swimming haphazardly and sustained secondary damage to its mouth. So, basically, a fish infected with Mycobacteria can look like anything (from completely healthy, to having skin ulcers, dropsy, etc.).

Infection with Mycobacteria can impact on the health, growth and productivity of your fishes. Persistently Infected fishes are the most dangerous for your fish population. Their ability to continually shed the bacteria at massive levels for their entire lives makes them a ticking time bomb. And when infected fish die, it can make it even worse! As their carcass become cannibalised, the disease spreads even more quickly to other fish!

What’s more is that the bacteria may infect humans! In humans, it’s called "fish-fancier finger disease".It causes localised hard swollen lesions that may be painful to touch. These need to be surgically removed and the patient would need a long course of multiple antibiotics. Disease is more severe in immunocompromised people (the very young, the aged, those on chemotherapy, etc.).

So, if you have been losing fish every now and then, for reasons unknown, how can you tell if your fish have mycobacteriosis?

Get your fishes vet-checked.

What are you waiting for?

Enquire here – http://thefishvet.com.au/contact_us.html

The Fish Vet’s laboratory services are open to fish owners Australia-wide.

Just another way of making aquatic veterinary services within reach.

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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.

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What causes spinal deformities in koi? Answers revealed tomorrow night.

Join us at the Southern Branch KSWA meeting on Wed 26 August

Dr Richmond Loh (The Fish Vet) has organised for one of his vet students to make a presentation on Spinal Deformities. Hui Nee Chin is originally from Melbourne, where she completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine Biology) and is currently a final year veterinary student at Murdoch University.

A study on spinal deformity in koi carp: Adult koi with spinal deformities were sampled from private collections. These koi were presenting with difficulties swimming, were showing changes in swimming behaviour and had visible spinal deformities. After euthanasia, radiographs of each koi were taken at the Veterinary Hospital at Murdoch University. Bony changes suggestive of congenital abnormalities and degenerative changes were found. The cause is unknown, however a variety of factors are known to cause spinal deformities in fish. These will be presented.

Details:
7:30pm, Wednesday 26 August 2015
South Perth Rotary Hall, Sandgate St, South Perth.

A study on spinal deformity in koi carp by Hui Nee Chin.

Southern Branch KSWA meeting – Wed 26 August

Dr Richmond Loh (The Fish Vet) has organised for one of his vet students to make a presentation on Spinal Deformities. Hui Nee Chin is originally from Melbourne, where she completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine Biology) and is currently a final year veterinary student at Murdoch University.

A study on spinal deformity in koi carp: Adult koi with spinal deformities were sampled from private collections. These koi were presenting with difficulties swimming, were showing changes in swimming behaviour and had visible spinal deformities. After euthanasia, radiographs of each koi were taken at the Veterinary Hospital at Murdoch University. Bony changes suggestive of congenital abnormalities and degenerative changes were found. The cause is unknown, however a variety of factors are known to cause spinal deformities in fish. These will be presented.

Details:
7:30pm, Wednesday 26 August 2015
South Perth Rotary Hall, Sandgate St, South Perth.

Divers Find The Flying Spaghetti Monster Under The Ocean

I believe this is what the Pastafarians have been following.

Discover more at –
http://www.iflscience.com/flying-spaghetti-monster-real

What are your recommendations for underwater CCTV surveillance system?

Some of my clients are so into their fish that they like to be able to watch them even if they’re not physically at their pond.

Great to be on the lookout for predators, and for potential fish kidnappers! Yes, some have had their koi stolen! Though fish can be microchipped, it’s useless unless you can identify your suspects.

Some clients want to go that extra step amd install underwater cameras too.

Do you have recommended products? I’d love to hear from you.

 

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

The Fish Vet’s secret black book for drug dosages.

Have you ever wanted to know what other drugs you can use to treat your sick fish patient? Wait no longer. This quick reference black book has all the necessary details to get you on your way to treating sick fish successfully.

Grab your copy now!

Visit – http://thefishvet.com.au/shop/shopping.html

Look for "Fish Vetting Medicines – Formulary Of Fish Treatments"

Some keywords:

Medicine, medication, treatment, fish dose rate, remedy, therapy, care, pharmacy, chemist,

Dip, prolonged immersion, Parenteral, intramuscular injection, intraperitoneal injection, bath treatment.

Antibiotic, Baytril, enrofloxacin, trimethoprim sulfa, triple sulfa, nitrofurazone, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, betadine, iodine, potassium permanganate, methylene blue, peroxide, acriflavin,

Metronidazole, flagyl, copper sulphate,

Wormer, anthelmintic, levamisole, fenbendazole, praziquantel

Trichlorfon, fenthion, organophosphate

Formalin, malachite green, melafix, pimafix, bactonex, sterazin, protozin

Anti-algae, antichlorine, salt, carbon, activated charcoal, Epsom salt, magnesium sulphage, sea salt, rock salt, pool salt, sodium chloride, NaCl,

Anaesthetic, anaesthesia, clove oil, eugenol, aqui-s, iso-eugenol, alfaxan, alfaxolone, ms222, tricaine methanosulphonate,

Appetite stimulant, garlic, fish pheromone,

Fish hormone, steroid, ovaprim, gnrh,

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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
thefishvet_logo_medical-20130107.jpg
Skype: thefishvet

President WAVMA 2014

wavma.jpg?w=780

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

Looking for more books? Check out this site.

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Who’ll be on the new WAVMA executive board.

I’ve enjoyed my time serving my colleagues on the WAVMA Executive Board, that I’m running for another term.

See who else are running here – http://www.wavma.org/elections

Aquatic veterinary officer jobs at the federal Department of Agriculture.

This is the extra blurb from the recruiter regarding the job advertised –

"Note that the description doesn’t give a lot of detail as there are several positions available across different areas (aquatics & terrestrial). Roles are varied. Animal Health Policy is largely domestic focus, national strategy (AQUAPLAN), surveillance and reporting, emergency response. Animal Biosecurity (current role) has more international focus, risk assessments of aquatic animal imports (live and commodities), plus support for export of live aquatic animals. This area is also merged with the marine pest team so there may be some involvement with ballast water management and biofouling. Also, some international travel opportunities for overseas Competent Authority assessments and support exists for learning and development. Canberra isn’t a bad place to work and live, lots of professional families end up here. Good work-life balance etc."

See advert below:

Ongoing Veterinary Officer positions at the Australian Government Department of Agriculture

Salary range AU$92,404 – 109,584 plus superannuation

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture is seeking veterinarians for its central office.

The vacancies will be notified in the Australian Public Service (APS) government gazette at www.apsjobs.gov.au under ‘gazette downloads’. To apply go to the jobs section of the Department of Agriculture website: http://agriculture.nga.net.au/fnt_jobs_list.cfm?mode=daff

https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/SearchedNoticesView.aspx?Notices=10647999%3A1&mn=JobSearch

The work of central office vets varies between branches. The positions are located in Canberra at the APS 6 (Veterinary Officer 2) level with a salary range of $92,404 – 109,584 plus superannuation. Conditions of employment will be as set out in the department’s enterprise agreement available on the department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.au/about/jobs/ea2011.

Positions are available in these areas of the department:

· Animal Biosecurity Branch

· Animal Health Policy Branch

Animal Biosecurity Branch provides an international focus through science-based risk assessments and advice to protect Australia’s favourable pest and disease status. The branch also prepares scientific and technical submissions to maintain or open export markets for animals and animal products (terrestrial, aquatic and avian). The branch also provides policy and technical advice on marine pest biosecurity.

Animal Health Policy Branch contributes to the protection of the health of Australian animals and environment by working closely with government and industry stakeholders. The Branch mitigates the potential impacts of emergency animal diseases through strengthening national prevention, preparedness, detection and response capacities and capabilities including through working off- shore with our near neighbours. The Branch also provides scientific advice to underpin priority national animal health policy and programs in order to minimise the potential impact of disease on Australia’s animal, human and environmental health.

Suitably qualified vets are invited to submit a written application addressing the selection criteria, supported by a resume/CV.

Selection criteria:

Successful applicants will be required to be able to work as a member of a small team. The work will require a good understanding of animal pests and diseases affecting Australia’s import and export market access. Depending on the position, successful applicants will be expected to have:

· A sound understanding of Australian agricultural or aquatic industries and import and export supply chains

· A sound understanding of international trade rules and regulations

· A proven ability to maintain professional and constructive working relationships with staff from other government bodies, external agencies and industry

· A knowledge and experience of pests and infectious diseases of animals (including aquatic animals) and animal products

· The ability to research, analyse and prepare accurate, complex reports in a government context

· The ability to deliver projects against tight deadlines

· Well developed written and oral skills along with good liaison and negotiation skills

For some positions the following qualities are highly desirable:

· Experience in negotiating market access with international trading partners

· Practical experience in auditing or inspection of industry, government or laboratories

· Qualifications and experience in veterinary epidemiology.

The applicant must possess a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (or registrable equivalent) and must be currently registered or eligible for registration with a relevant Australian State or Territory Veterinary Board. Australian citizenship requirements apply to all Australian Public Service positions.

The department will consider meeting reasonable relocation expenses if required.

The contact officer at the department is Dr Carol Sheridan, (carol.sheridan@agriculture.gov.au). Dr Sheridan is available to discuss the positions by email or telephone 02 6272 5160.

Applications for these positions should be made through the department’s website before the closing date. The department will provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants upon request.

The department is committed to the principles of workplace diversity and actively encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.

Please feel free to share this with others who might be interested in these positions.

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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.

See advert on YouTube.