In preparation for my conference presentations, I sent one of my students on an assignment.

He had to visit a local pet store, and collect information on fish medicines, namely:

1. Regular retail prices
2. What diseases they are used for, and
3. Dose rates.

I then analysed the data and compared this with an average aquarium size of 300L and a pond size of 4000L. I arrived at the following conclusions:

• Some drugs are extremely hazardous to users (e.g. trichlorfon is an endocrine disrupting chemical [see link]; formalin is carcinogenic; malachite green is so dangerous that it’s banned for use in food-fish). Do you want excess amounts of these drugs lying around where your children or pet/s may accidentally become exposed?
• The most expensive medicines used to “self-treat” are bacterial (e.g. triple sulpha), flukes (e.g. praziquantel), and macroparasites (e.g. trichlorfon). If you have an aquarium, it might break even, provided fish respond. If you have a pond, it is actually cheaper to get a vet out.
• Cost of “self-treatment” is based on having a correct diagnosis initially, and it is generally based on “luck” in choosing the correct drug (it might even be easier to win the lottery).
• But, what if, your fish disease is caused by not one, but by many disease agents? In my experience, it’s quite common for multiple diseases to be present, and compounded by environmental factors. A single type of treatment would not suffice.
• Cautionary notes on label may be inadequate. There are dangers of simultaneous, or sequential, random administration of drugs, without caution for multi-species tank (e.g. trichlorfon has cummulative effects; malachite green is harmful to fish like loaches; copper is toxic to clownfish…).
• Label instructions do not account for water conditions. Treatments need to take water parameters into account (e.g. temperature affects lifecycle of parasites and this is vital for timing of repeat administration; general hardness affects efficacy of drugs like tetracycline is useless at rates on the label for hardwater and marine fishes because most of the drug will be chelated).
• Label instructions may not account for disease agent. For example antibiotics should always be given as a course to avoid antibiotics resistance (some labels suggest to only treat once, when a minimum of 2-3 repeats is required to complete a course of antibiotics). In another example, time of application of repeats for parasiticides need to address egg or encysted stages.
• Some drugs can cause more harm than good. Antibacterials like tetracycline, triple sulpha and methylene blue are hazardous to the biofilter, causing more harm.

CONCLUSION:

Treating fish by trial and error is false economy. The frustration and heartache that comes with mounting fish deaths is just not worth it.

Veterinary diagnostics and treatment examines the whole system, taking the needs of the patient, and the client into consideration when choosing the type/s of medicine/s to use.

Veterinary treatment is most cost-effective for:

• large water volumes (>500 L),
• valuable individual fish (expensive or rare fishes like koi, discus and marines that can cost >>$50 per animal),
• high value fish populations (e.g. marines, discus, koi), and
• when disease is caused by more than one agent.

Having said this, for some owners, you simply cannot put a price on pet fish. The majority of my clients consider their fish, part of their family, an heirloom, their life’s work, and their place of tranquility.

For collating this information, I’d like to give a huge thanks to Ming Jun LIM, President of the WAVMA Student Chapter, at Murdoch University, DVM-candidate 2018.

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—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh

DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPh (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics & Pathobiology), CertAqV, CMAVA, NATA Signatory.
Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist
THE FISH VET, AUSTRALIA – PERTH | MELBOURNE | TOWNSVILLE

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

Skype: thefishvet

President WAVMA 2014

PERTH has had one of its coldest winter nights, with air temperatures dropping to near freezing.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/32042722/perth-and-south-west-shiver-through-coldest-night-of-the-year/

We need to prevent supercooling of our pond water to keep fish from stressing. To do this, we need to decrease the water flow rate to cut evaporative cooling, decrease aeration to reduce cooling by air, add salt to your pond at a rate of 1-5g/L, add vitamin C to their water, and reduce feeding to a minimum (and only during the warmer parts of the day – see also,

https://thefishvet.com/2011/06/23/how-often-should-i-feed-my-fishes/).

If you’re unsure about any of these, call us in to scope out your set-up.

—
Yours sincerely,

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

Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist.
PERTH | MELBOURNE | TOWNSVILLE
THE FISH VET – AUSTRALIA.

Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.

http://www.thefishvet.com.au

Ph: +61 421 822 383

"A growing number of green sea turtles are being spotted on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with fibropapillomatosis caused by a turtle-specific herpes virus. Turtles with the tumors — which are benign but can interfere with vision and render animals more vulnerable to infection — have also been found in Florida and Hawaii, and scientists suspect polluted water is to blame. Karina Jones of James Cook University in Townsville, Australia, is among those attempting to identify specific pollutants that cause the tumors."

Read more at – "Turtle herpes outbreak hints at Great Barrier Reef contamination"

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Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPh (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics & Pathobiology), CertAqV, CMAVA, NATA Signatory.
Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist
THE FISH VET, AUSTRALIA – PERTH | MELBOURNE | TOWNSVILLE

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

Skype: thefishvet

President WAVMA 2014

Q: In a school of fish, which fish score poorly in exams?

A: Flounders.

Have a FINtastic week! R <+>{

I’m very excited to share with you the great news that we now have two more veterinarians who have passed their membership examinations to be inducted into our Aquatic Animal Health Chapter, of the ANZCVS.

Drs Susan Gibson-Kueh and Jo Bannister join the contingent of veterinarians from WA, to make us lead the nation in the number of members with special expertise in this area (not bad for our relatively small population).

The distribution of members (retired members in parentheses) are presented in this map.

—
Yours sincerely,

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

Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist.
PERTH | MELBOURNE | TOWNSVILLE
THE FISH VET – AUSTRALIA.

Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.

http://www.thefishvet.com.au

Ph: +61 421 822 383

About the Chapter… 

Animal Welfare Chapter

The Animal Welfare Chapter has been established to provide a forum for the training of veterinarians to a detailed knowledge and above average competence in animal welfare in all species. This capability will be drawn from a broad base of knowledge across all body systems. Course content includes, The Ethics of Animal Use, Physiological and Psychological Aspects of Adverse States, Animal Environments, The Veterinary Profession’s Role in Animal Welfare, Veterinary Aspects of Animal Welfare, Specific Welfare Issues, Legislation and Animal Welfare and Human – Animal Relationships. Membership in this subject equips veterinarians to understand the scientific basis for optimum animal welfare and to be able to reason and debate coherently the legal and ethical aspects of animal welfare.

Aquatic Animal Health Chapter

The Aquatic Animal Health Chapter has been established to promote excellence in the diagnosis, treatment and prevent of diseases of aquatic animals with particular emphasis on those species which are kept for aquaculture or otherwise commercially exploited. The objects of the Chapter shall be:

• To advance the science and art of veterinary science as it relates specifically to aquatic animals and in particular to encourage and aid recruitment to the discipline, the College and the Chapter.
• To further the professional education and training of veterinarians with a special interest in aquatic animal health.
• To encourage research in aquatic animal health.
• To facilitate the exchange of knowledge between veterinarians with a special interest in aquatic animal health
• To encourage exchange of knowledge with and collaborative work with other Scientists working in the field of aquatic animal health.
• To encourage publications in the sphere of aquatic animal health
• To acquire, maintain, employ and dispose of such real and personal property and to organise such services as will further the above aims.

Many have asked how they can work in Australia as a veterinarian. Whether Australia would recognise their overseas degree.

The short answer is that they’d need to have a degree from an educational institution that is recognised by the Australasian Veterinary Boards’ Council (see the document below). And satisfy the theory and practical exams.

For more information see –
https://www.avbc.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/documents/public/VetScienceInAusMay2014.pdf

See also, their homepage – https://avbc.asn.au/

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—
Yours sincerely,

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

AVBC-VetScienceQualsRecognisedOct2014.docx

A number of us are now getting into rainbow trout because our Perth winter is the ideal time to stock them.

These fish available in Perth outlets are sourced from Pemberton. Their genetics allow them to tolerate up to 24-26 degrees Celsius. I’m fact, due to rising water temperatures from global warming, Canadian researchers came to WA to study our stock.

I’d expect by September/October, they’d get to ~30cm easily. Our short growout time means we would never get them as big as these pictured.

When I worked in Tasmania, water was abundant, and fish are grown in flow-through raceways. Rainbow trout have intermediate water quality requirements, because where they farmed multiple species, they’d have their first-pass water for the Atlantic salmon, then to rainbow trout, and lastly, to brown trout. This makes them suitable for recirculating and aquaponics systems.

You’d feed to satiation as often as you’re able to, to get maximum growth rate. You’d need to eyeball, and test water quality to see how much your biofilter can handle.

These fish need high dissolved oxygen, otherwise they can easily die from anoxia. This is why, when you buy them, the pack them with little water, and a whole lot of oxygen. So when you have them in your system, you’ve to ensure you use supplemental aeration, especially as the weather gets warmer.

One more note, if they ever become sick with diseases, don’t simply medicate because many drugs are not registered for use in food-fish. Make sure you get them checked out by The Fish Vet.

Apart from these, they have no specific, special requirements.

—
Yours sincerely,

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

Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist.
PERTH | MELBOURNE | TOWNSVILLE
THE FISH VET – AUSTRALIA.

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

We’ve been made to believe that goldfish and carp are nothing but feral pests. But this group of Aussies are employing the fish to be their little helpers.

Wannon Water have been undertaking trials over the past 8 years in conjunction with Deakin University to investigate the use of fish to reduce sludge volumes in primary effluent lagoons. Results to date show that fish can reduce sludge volumes by between 33% and 46% over a 70 day period in 1000L tanks. Incorporating fish into primary effluent lagoons has the potential to significantly extend the timeframe between de-sludging events.

Read more here –
http://www.waterra.com.au/publications/latest-news/2016/win-win-with-fins/

—
Yours sincerely,

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

Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist.
PERTH | MELBOURNE | TOWNSVILLE
THE FISH VET – AUSTRALIA.

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

Forum presentations available to download

The interactive program explored the history, current status and prospects for the Western Australian aquaculture industry; developed a common understanding among key stakeholders of the risks and opportunities; acquired learnings in aquaculture industry development from more developed industries; and determined the key elements of a pathway forward.

More than 150 delegates attended the one day event, representing government, industry and research and investment sectors.

Presentations from forum speakers are now available for delegates to download. Click here to access the presentation library.

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

—
Yours sincerely,

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

President WAVMA 2014

Did you know that when you make the call, you get a whole lot more?

Dr Richmond Loh comes equipped with a Fish Health Lab, with ability to test water samples, and perform field microscopic examinations to get you rapid, on-the-spot diagnosis? Armed with the correct diagnosis/es, Dr Loh’s kitted-out “Fish Ambulance” carries all the necessary fish medicines to be able to treat your fish disease/s, whether it be an aquarium, or massive fish pond/s.

And if necessary, TheFishVet’s clients will have direct access to laboratory testing, done by no other, but by Dr Loh himself.

Dr Loh is not only a “Fish Medic”, but is also a qualified Veterinary Pathologist. This combination of skills makes Dr Loh and his team, the right choice when it comes to solving fish health problems, whether it be pet fish, public aquaria, or fish farm.

TheFishVet’s team has locations in:
PERTH | MELBOURNE | TOWNSVILLE

Meet TheFishVet’s team by downloading our services document.

TFV Services and Fees 2016.pdf

—
Yours sincerely,

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

Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist.
THE FISH VET – AUSTRALIA.
Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.

http://www.thefishvet.com.au

Ph: +61 421 822 383