Internal examination on sick fish

[Merlin]

Now if I can just get it to sa Ahhhh, I might be able to find the problem :lol: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/Chateauwizard/000108102202.jpg

[Jackie Ramo]

Merlin!! Glad it was only water I was drinking when I viewed this, my kepboard is wet!!! Thanks for the big laugh!!!!

[Dave in Innisfil]

As mentioned in another thread, I'm new to owning a pond and this is my first spring. Today so far I've netted 6 dead fish, some I saw were alive previously, others look dead for a while. Some still swimming in the pond don't look so good either, with whitish scabby stuff floating around what appears to be wounds, while others moving very slowly have huge bellies. I was wondering whether someone's gonna ask me what's in their stomach or if they're egg-bearing before I dispose of their corpses ? And should I be considering netting the remaining fish and bringing them inside for treatment ? I'm getting really apprehensive about going in the back yard because each time I do, I end up seeing another dead or dying fish. The remaining fish seem to be gathering in the shady side of the pond, which is still under ice, venturing occassionally down around the air pump, but mostly just sitting on the bottom. A few which appeared dead on their sides showed signs of life when I tried to retrieve them, so I've left them until I get further advice.

whatsa guy to do ?

[marla]

I've been having the same problem, I've lost 3 koi, a shubunkin and 2 goldfish. The last koi seemed perfectly fine when I saw him Thurs and when we got home from our out of town weekend, he was dead. Had one in the house die today. Check my Help thread, on koi health. Jackie has been helping me out. It sounds like you might have SAP also, it's a cold water fungus. There is a link on my Help thread. I know exactly how you feel. If Jackie doesn't see this, post it on the koi health one she is very helpful, and knowledgable. You might have luck brining in the sick ones if you have a place to set them up. I didn't but you might be luckier. Read through my thread, try the salt, and warming. Wish I could be of more help

[Merlin]

Guys I know it is not an easy task, and if you have read my thread on Lucky you will see it was something I had to do. But a dead fish can tell a tale, If you can take photos and post them, if you are up to it open them up and take a photo of what you find and post that too.

The more we know about how and why a fish died, the more we can do to prevent any more from the same fate. I too am still a newbie at this and still have a lot to learn, but by following the advice of the experts on this forum and others, I do have a good chance of spotting a problem with my Koi, and acting on the good advice that they freely give.

My Photo above was meant as a joke, but if only it was that easy to look inside and see what is going on inside our Koi.

[Ron C]

It does sound like it is probably SAP, but some pictures of the area would help a lot....

[Busy B]

Was that in Florida Merlin? Glad I didn't spit the coffee I just poured like Jackie did her water! :lol: I woulda burnt my tongue! Looks like you had a great vacation!

It will get better Dave...there's so much info to start with but as you go it gets easier. Everyone here is more than willing to help :wink:

[Dave in Innisfil]

Days end came, and I opted to put the deceased fish to rest without an autopsy. Most of today's dead fish had been that way for a while, with high levels of decay and distortion.

Armed with everyone's suggestions and advice, I've got a game plan and at least I'll be able to say I gave it my best shot, despite the outcome.

[Merlin]

Dave I understand where you are coming from, I for one did not want to open Lucky up, despite working as a Fishmonger for 4 years in my youth.

But any photo of a sick fish or even a deceased one, will help the experts get a better idea of what the probem was. Good luck with your game plan.