PREPARATION FOR THE CONSULT

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Diagnosing fish diseases can sometimes be more involved than the more traditional veterinary consult. It is not as simple as bringing your fish to the vet. Fish consults require a special approach. To help Dr Loh provide you the best advice, please prepare beforehand, all the information TheFishVet may require.

Some useful information that you can bring along to help with the evidence gathering process:

1. The fish in question or the worst affected fish.

*Note down any signs of disease (see the fact sheet on "How to Tell When a Fish is Sick").

2. Aquarium dimensions (length, width and height), planting and the number and type of fish it houses.

3. Any medications you have used, or are using;

*Please note that by treating your pet before taking it to the vet may mask the presence of certain diseases and make diagnosis more difficult.

4. Water samples: ·

Tap water,

*chlorine and pH levels may be the problem. ·

Aquarium water without fish, ·
An equivalent volume of water so your fish can go home in clean water,

*also very important if we need to anaesthetise the fish.

*Fish are constantly in intimate contact with water that a great proportion of fish diseases stems from poor water quality. The water test for pH, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite is strongly recommended to provide a more complete picture of the problem.

5. Fish food (in its container).

*Certain diet types may be unsuitable or may not meet the nutritional needs of your pet fish.

6. Information about your equipment:

Your powerhead specifications (the number often denotes the volume of water it turnovers per hour);
Lighting;
Filtration type, material and size.

If you have any problems gathering these information beforehand, Dr Loh should be able to work it out with you during the consult.

PET TIME is VET TIME!