Experienced fish keepers know that most veterinarians do not treat fish. Some will accept your money to look at your fish, but often they seem to know less about fish diseases than a good fish shop owner. How do you evaluate them?
Some fish shop owners search out veterinarians in their area who are knowledgeable and willing to treat fish. Some do not. They just experiment and hope for the best. Many fish keepers find that when it comes to fish illnesses, they are on their own.
Often the trickiest part of treating your sick fish is getting an accurate diagnosis. Experimentation can take time your fish may not have. And receiving the wrong treatment can sometimes further weaken the fish.
You don’t want to put a sick fish through the stress of being carried to a store or meeting to be examined, especially when you cannot be sure the diagnosis would be correct. Especially in very hot or very cold weather.
Sometimes you can get a good photo of the fish and take that to show an expert. Often, however, a photo does not show enough for a confident diagnosis.
Dedicated fish owners keep a supply of standard fish remedies on hand. Standard practice is to consult books Sometimes they work. Sometimes, not. Sometimes fish simply need professional veterinary care. (more…)
