The Fish Vet's Blog

What does your fish mean to you? Are they more than just dollars swimming in your pond? Are they a pet? A family member? An heirloom? A life-time of dedication?

What if someone were to release a killer virus that’s highly infectious, and your entire pond of koi dies from rotting and bleeding of gills and internal organs? How would you feel?

If you’d like to have your say, come join me and the Koi Society of WA on Tuesday 8 December, 7:30pm at the Wanneroo Recreation Centre, 275 Scenic Drive (near cnr Church St), Wanneroo, WA.

Read more at this link.

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

Skype: thefishvet

I feel a little eel 😦
 
Have a FINtastic week! R <+>{

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.

See pictured.

 

—
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

It’s the time of the year again when many people are going away for Christmas holidays. But who’s going to feed your fish? Can you use the weekend-blocks or gel food?

Well, it really depends on how long you’re away for, and your budget. And also, the type of fish you have. For example, if you have sedentary fish that tend to be ambush predators, you do not necessarily have to feed them daily when you’re away. A good feed should last them 2-3 days. This post will address the types available in general terms.

Available are blocks (food embedded in plaster of paris) and gel food (food embedded in gelatine-like substance). I’d recommend only if you’re going away for a long weekend (2-3 days). Be careful because there is potential to cause pollution. These blocks and gel are OK for small fish, since larger fish can devour the entire amount quickly. You may like to try these feed types before you go away, to see how your fish take to them, and the effect it will have on your tank.

Automatic fish food dispensers are ideal for longer vacations. There are 3 types of aquarium fish, automatic feed dispensers:

1. Clock-movement type: slowly rotates like the hour-hand, and dispenses food twice daily (every 12 hours). These have single food compartments, and the disadvantage is the slow movement allows moisture to enter the food compartment. Works best with feed granules/pellets. Link to example.
2. Full-rotation type: at specified time/s will make a full rotation, dispensing food. These have single food compartments, and the advantage over #1 is that the quick full rotation prevents moisture from entering the food compartment. Works best with feed granules/pellets. Link to example.
3. Multi-compartment dispenser: Each compartment dispenses fully at specified time/s.The advantage is that allows the owner to pack compartments with different feed types (flakes, granules and chips). Link to example.

If you’re going ahead with auto-feeders, make sure you trial it about a month before you’ve to go away. Set you alarm clock to correspond with set feed times so you can check it works, and it doesn’t dispense too much, or too little food.

If you don’t trust technology and will get a fish-sitter in, then I suggest to pre-measure food amounts into multiple small containers, so that the fish-sitter will not be tempted to over-feed your fishes.

I’ve found on the internet, an interesting DIY fish feeder using a mobile phone match-sticks and a bottle – see link. Quite clever, but you won’t be able to be sure to remember, and you run the risk of the entire load dropping into the tank if not properly constructed.

What ever you do, make sure you give yourself enough time to try, before you go away.

I’m interested to hear your feedback on this post.

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.

Eight fish make up 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species.

Interestingly, the rainbow trout and brown trout are among the list with carp, catfish, bass, mosquito fish, tilapia and Nile perch.

Take a look here –

http://www.issg.org/worst100_species.html

I came across an old presentation that I thought was still relevant and have uploaded it to my youtube channel.
See recording at this link – https://youtu.be/N0KD287cFHE

Download the handout at this link –
Loh – Advanced Aquatic Credentials-ANZCVS.pdf

Presented by Dr Richmond Loh (BSc, BVMS, MPhil, MANZCVS, CertAqV) at NOVICE International Conference, October 4-5, 2012. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania.

ABSTRACT
The field of aquatic veterinary medicine is indeed diverse. Veterinarians who have acquired significant expertise and competence in this discipline would need to be recognised. This would ensure that the public has access to advanced veterinary expertise. Traditionally, a specialist must undergo extensive advanced supervised training and produce publications, culminating in the passing of a rigorous set of examinations. Certifying Bodies which set the standards acceptable for specialist registration include the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS), the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Apart from the ANZCVS, there is no other program that specifically caters for aquatics.
This presentation will provide an overview on the state of specialisation programs that are available for veterinarians who wish to pursue specialist registration in aquatic animal health and to bring about discussion about whether these satisfy the needs of veterinarians and the clients.

KEY WORDS:
Veterinary Specialisation, Aquatic Animal Health, Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.

REFERENCES:
1. Diploma in Fish Health and Production
http://www.rcvs.org.uk/education/postgraduate-education-for-veterinary-surgeons/diplomas/#fish
2. American College of Zoological Medicine
http://www.aczm.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=366916&module_id=49001
3. Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists
http://www.anzcvs.org.au/info_assets/documents/Membership%20guidelines/Aquatic%20Health%20Guidelines%202007-f%20Reformatted%20Dec%2011.pdf

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.

Most commonly, fish diagnostics do not require necropsy. Either visit the site, or ask the client to bring you a few live fish.
Follow this link to watch:
How to perform a gill biopsy and skin scrape
If you need to perform a necropsy, watch:
How to perform an autopsy of a fish for laboratory testing
For large fish, aseptically take a kidney swab, and then perform necropsy as per any other animal.
We provide laboratory testing of fish (most commonly used services are histopathology and bacteriology). "Drop me a line" to request for an e-Copy of our Services Manual.
If you’re embarking on becoming a fully fledged aquatic veterinarian, I recommend "Fish Vetting Techniques & Practical Tips – Instructional Video" available through the Shopping Cart.
Perhaps, thinking of it as a Christmas gift? Beat the rush by placing your order now.
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.

Whenever I meet new people, and whenever some stranger sees the plates on my car, everyone asks with surprise,"What is a fish vet?" I think in my head…, "What a FAQ!"

Why do some veterinarians call themselves fish vets, aquatic vets or aquarium vets? These terms are used synonymously by my colleagues and me. Who are the veterinarians that call themselves aquatic veterinarians?

In Australia, there are 21 recognised veterinary specialties (see link). Some veterinarians specialise in surgery, dentistry, radiography or pathology. Aquatic veterinarians take on extra training and interest in aquatic animal health beyond their BVMS, BVSc, DVM or VMD. Some pursue a formal post-graduate aquaculture degrees or courses, and eventually sit rigorous examinations in aquatic animal health (e.g. ANZCVS Membership and Fellowship Examinations – see link), to complement their veterinary training. Those Veterinarians who have had significant skills and experience, looking to be a certified aquatic veterinarian can do so through the WAVMA’s CertAqV program (see link).

Moreover some aquatic veterinarians have additional qualifications that help them provide their clients with yet another perspective to solving their problems. Those with backgrounds in veterinary pathology and veterinary epidemiology are particularly useful, depending on the issues that need to be resolved.

Aquatic veterinarians work in a variety of roles. They can attend to your sick pet goldfish, treat sharks at public aquaria, help solve problems aquaculturists have, teach at educational institutions, do research and development (of new diagnostic tools), work in veterinary pathology laboratories, or work with national and international bodies on policies that affect aquatic animal health. At TheFishVet, these are only some of the many works we do.

So, no matter how aquatic veterinarians come to be, we thrive amid the challenging environment where every case is different, and a large degree of practical lateral thinking is required. Together we are pushing the boundaries of knowledge in aquatic veterinary medicine.

We are ready to serve the public, its fishes, and the veterinary profession by providing high quality service in the discipline of aquatic animal health.

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.

This is worrying…

Read more here –
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/investigation-after-700-fish-wash-up-on-shore-at-cockburn-sound/news-story/4641241a4afa1b151de07c05a1909c9f?sv=d06efe80c72d9507f111ba3bac1bb22a&utm_source=Perth%20Now&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial

Come here both ya! (Botia sp.) 

With thanks to AL.
 
Have a FINtastic week! R <+>{

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.