>As far as the diseases she mentions - she almost certainly sees a different
>spectrum of diseases than the average Rainbowfish hobbyist - I suspect her
>qualifications direct her more to the aquaculture situation where the
>diseases she mentions can quickly involve thousands of fish under intensive
>culture.
The problem of course is that it is not easy to find Veterinarians who
specialise in fish disease. With DUE RESPECT I know more about aquarium fish
disease treatments than some Vets I've spoken too. Also the economic
reality is that it cost more to have your fish diagnosed than it does to
replace them. For these and other reasons the actual situation and
occurrence of diseases in the aquarium hobby is virtually unknown and TB
(and other disorders for that matter) may be much more intrenched in the
hobby than most people realise. Which, personally I think it is.
Also if you can find a Vet with the necessary qualifications and you are
willing to pay the fee, the elapsing time required for a solution may render
the answer simply academic and during this time, in most instances, your
fish have passed on to that big aquarium in the sky. However, I paid $176.00
for some pathology tests recently and consider it money well spent and
currently have some more specimens awaiting testing procedures (different
problem - I hope). I think this would be a ideal area for aquarium societies
to invest some of their money and energies instead of some other areas that
been raised lately on the list ;-). Paying for disease diagnose and
publishing the results with added information on treatments or prevention
and with accompanying colour photos for identification purposes.
>The TB (Mycobacterium) problem is a bit different as the disease can
>insidiously spread throughout one's stock via sloppy ( because unsuspecting
>tchnique) and may not present any signs for quite a while. At least with
>the other 2 there is something to see quickly and treatments are available.
>
>Of course the message is also there that "All that ulcerates is not TB" -
>but "Hansen's Corollary" should be also be remembered. When dealing with
>Rainbowfish, especially of captive origin, any change in appearance or
>behaviour could be TB so bear that in mind ;-)
On the subject of TB I've just been reading a book called "Colorguide of
tropical fish diseases" by Gerald Bassleer (Have you got this book Bruce ;-)).
Anyway he states that the following antibiotics are effective against
Mycobacterium use at 0.25-0.50 gm/100gm in food for 14 days.
Doxycicline, Rifampicine, Rifamycine and Rifampin.
Also he states that Kanamycine at 2-5 gm/100L for 4-5 days or mixed in food
at 200-300mg/100gm is also effective.
Of course you would have to get the fish to eat the food which isn't always
possible when the fish are sick!
Anyone wish to comment???
Adrian.
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Adrian R. Tappin
"Home of the Rainbowfish"
http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/home.htm
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