Uncommon Creatures
Mobile Veterinary Services
Drs. Jess and Sam Young (704)
603-7520
Winston Salem NC
27103 drsam@uncommoncreatures.com
Patient: Unamed Species:
Discus (Symphysodon discus) DOB:
Unknown Sex: Unknown Breed/Color: Orange
Owner: Carey Cottle, MD
600 Green
Valley Road, Ste. 204
Greensboro,
NC 27408
(336)
453-8639
Upcoming Reminders:
None currently
Date: 10-15-2014
S/O: Client has been dealing with a few
patients that continue to lose weight and are not eating. Client first noted affected individuals were
passing long mucoid fecal casts that would remain attached at the patient’s vent
and under microscopy contained numerous protozoal parasites. This was first observed 4-5 months ago. Based on images the client captured under
microscope, the tank was treated with several courses of medications including
praziquantel, levamisole, metronidazole, and a fluroquinolone. Mild and brief improvement was noted. Repeat
fecals revealed some similar and some new parasitic species, but no real
improvement in clinical signs.
The poorest
doing of the affected fish was selected for euthanasia and histopathology.
Assessment/Procedures: Patient extremely emaciated. Does show mild interest in food, but
regurgitates immediately. Patient was
isolated from tank mates in 1 gallon bucket and 500mg/L buffered MS-222 added. Patient was non-responsive and floating
upside down within 3 minutes. Patient
was retrieved and placed in 10% formalin.
Pathology Results: See attached report for full
interpretation. Major finding: Severe
necrotizing subacute to chronic bacterial enteritis.
Discussion: So seems we were fighting the wrong
pathogen all along. There is some
mention of mild parasitic branchitis (inflammation of the gills), but this is
most likely secondary to his debilitated state.
There was also some inflammation noted of gallbladder and
hepatopancreas, but this is more than likely the result of parasitic migration
from the gi tract. We were not able to
discern the specific species of bacteria affecting this individual however it
does appear to be a gram negative species that we can focus our future treatments
towards. Acid fast stains were negative
so we do know we are not dealing with Mycobacteria, which is always a good
thing. Likely those individuals that may have already developed granulomas may
be too far gone. Let’s plan a visit soon
to discuss the current condition of all individuals and decide on a course of
antibiotic treatment.
-Sam Young,
DVM
KH 70ppm
NO3 10ppm
PO4 0.5ppm
