RE: [Killietalk] Treating Gill Disease/Velvet??

[Chris <cgraseck at optonline_net>]

John wrote "What people are calling
"wasting" is almost positively internal parasites (Galuga [sp?]) and
should be treated as published with flubendazole, 200 mg / gal 5%
solution."

I don't believe that Glugia is indicated by Deb's description.  She did
not mention any cysts on the skin.  I realize that they are not always
present on the exterior of the fish but without seeing cysts I would be
more inclined to suspect mycobacterial infection.

My understanding of mycobacterium as a fish pathogen is that the
symptoms may include emaciation with fish making strikes at food but
always spitting it back out (Neon Tetra Disease or Tuberculosis), bloat
without any feeding response, or open lesions.  Each of these symptoms
may be accompanied by labored breathing and hanging at the surface.
Other symptoms such as general poor coloration and sloughing off of
mucus may also be present and may be due to secondary infections.

Both Barry C. and a microbiologist, who works on fish pathogens at the
university I attend, have suggested to me that any ailing fish should
immediately be isolated from healthy fish.  Treatment of fish infected
with mycobacteria is difficult as mycobacteria are not easily killed by
aquarium-use antibiotics.  I have heard some people say that they have
had success using Furan-2.

Good luck,

Chris




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