Where to send fish for necropsy?
- Thread starter Myka
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Myka
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Thank you very much for the ideas everyone. I will report back what happens. 
Fwiw, I've been told to place the fish whole into formaldehyde because the fish are small. For larger fish, they would need to be opened up to make sure the formaldehyde gets everywhere.
Probably bacterial/viral/fungal in that order of suspicion. I'm assuming skin scrapings alone may give me the answers I want.
Fwiw, I've been told to place the fish whole into formaldehyde because the fish are small. For larger fish, they would need to be opened up to make sure the formaldehyde gets everywhere.
Probably bacterial/viral/fungal in that order of suspicion. I'm assuming skin scrapings alone may give me the answers I want.
4FordFamily
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Would you tell us what happened to them? Symptoms, do you quarantine, how quickly they passed, etc?Thank you very much for the ideas everyone. I will report back what happens.
Fwiw, I've been told to place the fish whole into formaldehyde because the fish are small. For larger fish, they would need to be opened up to make sure the formaldehyde gets everywhere.
Probably bacterial/viral/fungal in that order of suspicion. I'm assuming skin scrapings alone may give me the answers I want.
I bet we could save you some money, friend.
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Myka
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The money isn't a concern. Need a definitive answer. Thank you for your offer though.
bios
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I think that in this forum there are someone really qulyfied to say to you which was the possible issue and direction to follow for future study
And if you don't want do in a public thread for some reason
You can do in pm
And ask to the lab at last only one direction to follow and how the best way to preserve the biological material forthat study
And if you don't want do in a public thread for some reason
You can do in pm
And ask to the lab at last only one direction to follow and how the best way to preserve the biological material forthat study
Lionfish Lair
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I had one done through the local vet. They sent it off to a lab.
Leslie Tabor
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I just now did a necropsy on my own on what was my beautiful semifaciatus... ;Dead
Figured I could at least rule out parasites. I don't know what is happening but this hobby is going from fun, to my reason to drink heavily very quickly. I am so sorry about your fish.
Figured I could at least rule out parasites. I don't know what is happening but this hobby is going from fun, to my reason to drink heavily very quickly. I am so sorry about your fish. 
Daniel@R2R
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Interesting thread. I wouldn't have had a clue where to go for a necropsy.
VbReefer
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A used microscope is a worthwhile investment in this hobby. Helped me verify Brook, albeit too late to help in that instance it was still useful to determine next steps.
I have just uploaded these images:
Melanarus are beautiful. Ended up selling both of mine. Good luck
I have just uploaded these images:
Melanarus are beautiful. Ended up selling both of mine. Good luck
JasPR
Active Member
My first wise **** thought was " to a mental institution?" to determine why you would spend 300-1000 f0r someone to tell you why? But then I calmed sarcastic side down and thought I'd comment as an adult 
our fish die one one of three causes 1) an accident. leaving water running, malfunctioning heater, per outage etc 2) a communal epizootic event - also could be environmental but to focus better-- an infestation of parasites or parasitic presence leading to bacterial infections ( ulcers, cloudy eyes, fins rotting). and then there is 3) which is the unknown -- or what I call--- a 'personal problem'. But heres the thing about 'a personal problem' leading to death -- it is almost always from a failing organ, chronic environmental stress from G.A.S. ( General adaptive syndrome) , old age or cancer. In all cases but G.A.S. the answer is something you can't do anything about and have to accept that lower forms of life that produce hundreds upon hundreds of off spring in a life time, are not meant to be as durable as humans. So favorite pet aside ( and you do have my sympathy) use the autopsy money to buy another fish-- quarantine it, feed it well, and give it the best possible stress free environment you can afford. JasPR
our fish die one one of three causes 1) an accident. leaving water running, malfunctioning heater, per outage etc 2) a communal epizootic event - also could be environmental but to focus better-- an infestation of parasites or parasitic presence leading to bacterial infections ( ulcers, cloudy eyes, fins rotting). and then there is 3) which is the unknown -- or what I call--- a 'personal problem'. But heres the thing about 'a personal problem' leading to death -- it is almost always from a failing organ, chronic environmental stress from G.A.S. ( General adaptive syndrome) , old age or cancer. In all cases but G.A.S. the answer is something you can't do anything about and have to accept that lower forms of life that produce hundreds upon hundreds of off spring in a life time, are not meant to be as durable as humans. So favorite pet aside ( and you do have my sympathy) use the autopsy money to buy another fish-- quarantine it, feed it well, and give it the best possible stress free environment you can afford. JasPR
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Myka
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So I found an entire veterinary TEAM from the local university that was interested in the fish. The leading veterinarian has a bunch of experience with aquaculture in the USA. They have been really great at helping me identify issues and work together to improve methods. It's been lots of fun.
Haha @JasPR ! Your numbers are a bit off. The necropsy cost me CAD$86 and the fish cost...well, if you have to ask...
Haha @JasPR ! Your numbers are a bit off. The necropsy cost me CAD$86 and the fish cost...well, if you have to ask...
