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Fish Surgery? The frantic call was received one morning. “My prize Koi fish has developed a huge abdomen. Is there anything that can be done for her?” After taking some history, it was apparent that “Goldie”, a hand fed Koi and favorite pet of the household, was suffering from a serious condition. An appointment was made and “Goldie” was transported in a 5-gallon water bucket with ventilated top. An additional 5-gallon bucket of her pond water was also requested. After a thorough medical history and visual examination, it was determined that an abdominal tumor was most likely the cause of the swollen abdomen. A radiograph (X-ray) would be needed to confirm the diagnosis. “Goldie” was placed between two sheets of heavy clear kitchen wrap (so as not to disturb her scales and mucus coat) and quickly placed in position for the procedure and immediately returned to her oxygenated bucket of pond water. Recently “Goldie” had not come to the pond surface for her daily hand feedings and had become more sluggish and no longer gathered with her pond mates. When a soft tissue tumor was confirmed, surgery was the only recourse! Much to their surprise, “Goldie’s” owners were informed that anesthesia and surgery could be performed with a high degree of safety. A special anesthetic drug called Finquel would be added to her water at a concentration to produce general anesthesia. At that point “Goldie” would be hooked to a special FADS system (fish anesthesia delivery system), which would constantly pump oxygenated anesthetic water through her gills to maintain anesthesia and additionally keep her scales covered with the same water. A clear plastic drape over the prepared sterile surgery site would allow a small area of exposure for the abdominal incision. Anesthesia would be monitored by gill movement frequency and adjusted with changes in Finquel concentration. The exploratory procedure uncovered a large reproductive tumor (which is a common occurrence). The reproductive tract was uneventfully removed and the abdomen closed with several layers of suture. “Goldie” was then given both antibiotic and pain injections and gently returned to the second 5 gallons of pond water. Within 45 minutes “Goldie” was swimming upright, finning and gilling properly. Her transport home and recovery was uneventful. Once again she delights her owners as she greets them daily for her hand feedings. Provided by Robert Rill, VMD, University Animal Clinics, 941-355-7707. RETURN |
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