Have a sick carp, has had this mark for almost 5 months now, its not going away not growing bigger and has not effected any of the other fish.
How can I treat this?

Hi,

It looks like fungus on the gill plate. Funguses like Saprolegnia are naturally present in most bodies of water.
Fungi will only attack damaged areas of the skin or decomposing waste. It is a secondary disease.
The fungus should be remove with a cotton swap, then malachite green (paste) should be applied to the area and sealed with friars balsam.
The pond could also be treated by adding malachite green ( 1g/10000lt water) if there is a fungal problem.

thanx, this fish was the only one effected checked others carefully.

Question where can I get malachite green (paste)? and friars balsam?

If no other fish are effected still treat the pond?

Vet's and pet shops can normally get hold of Malachite Green and you can get Friars Bulsam at any pharmacy.

ok, and then just fix it as paste? Hmm thinking maybe pharmacy will have it then too, will do a quick search...
Any negative or side effects from the Malachite Green? If I add it to the water?

Quote :

Malachite Green
Malachite is a strong dark green dye that has even been used as an antiseptic in wounds in humans. Different grades are available but the less toxic zinc-free malachite green is used in ponds to treat fungus and microscopic external parasites such as Chilodinella, Costia and White Spot.
Due to its broad action, malachite is often the foundation to many pond medications. Malachite is toxic to humans as well as fish and is a cancer-causing substance. Care must be taken when using it especially if in powder form as it is extremely concentrated in this form. Fish unavoidably absorb malachite through their gills and being a cumulative toxin it is stored in fish flesh. Its use in trout farming has recently been restricted as there is evidence that fish reaching the market contain traces of malachite green.
A replacement for malachite that is less risky to humans is being researched but as malachite is so effective and readily available, the financial incentive to research and develop an alternative is very small when considering the small size of the pond market. Such a change will only occur through legislation banning the use of malachite in certain circumstances.
Malachite permeates through cell membranes of parasites and fungi where it interferes with respiratory and metabolic processes within the cells. Consequently, treated pathogens are unable to generate energy within their cells, eventually dying.
If koi are overdosed with malachite their cells suffer the same effects on a massive scale potentially killing the koi. There is no antidote for malachite over dose.

uups ok, no other way of treating this?

Symptoms
Some of the fish look like they have green algae growing on them and others appear to have black algae growing on them
Cause
Water Mold Infection (Oomycetes)
Use:
Forma-Green for 5-7 days -or- Erythromycin for a 10 day treatment.

The best thing to use here is the Malachite Green. Use the below dosages as given by our very own Admin.

Quote :

Parasite, bacterial and fungus treatment
1g/10 000 or 17ml/10 000 l(6% solution)
Bath: 1 ml per liter

Ok, now the challenge the fish is in 2500l.....0.25g? Possible to weigh? or 4.25ml of 6% solution.....

Think will look at the pharmacy, they might have.......would be easier to administer a 6% solution then try and weigh that small amount

The liquid is by far the better one to use and is easier to get hold of.

going hunting for it now, pharmacy should have......

If I have the liquid still treat the wound?

Hi Adi

I once treated a koi with the same sickness, i got the medicine from loolilocks, treatment for ulcers its like a powder you put on the wound
once it touches water it goes hard and dissolves slowly.one thing i can tell you it will take a long time to heal and you will need to treat it once a week

Apply lots of the liquid to cotton wool and then apply to the affected area.

always love a challange went to 3 pharmacies and got the blank look, will still find some malachite green....

HI Adi

Ask Happy koi. I am sure they must have.

You can use the Malachite green liquid aswell but it might not be so effective. Anethetise the koi. Clean the affected area with Hydrogen Peroxide then take some cotton and dip it in the Malachite green and apply it to the wound. Blow it dry. Then apply Frairs balsam ontop of the Malachite green to seal the area. Blow it dry before putting the koi back in the water. Repeat atleast once a week. Dont use the Hydrogen Peroxide for the follow up treatments.

I will also treat the pond...the fungus is in the water to start with.

Beware Malachite green stains...and can cause cancer...so wear gloves.

Wayne

Hi Adi
It sounds like you have quite a problem.
Firstly I would clean my filters leaving one chamber to clean after 2 weeks Make sure to add some seeding stuff for the bacteria.
Do a major water change.
Now do as Pieter suggested with Malachite green but no Formalin in it. just liquid will be fine.
Then phone this guy he wil come out and treat whatever is necessary.
He wil have malachite green and also a pond trearment powder, as well as the seeding bacteria. Just mention it to him when you call.
Atholl Ross 0822217063 he is very good and works together with excellent fish vets.
He does this for a living so there will be a cost involved. Otherwise contact me and I will help you with more info. 0836254640

Best of luck.
Ps I just have a feeling you should have a good look at your filtration your problem is definately water related. (Replace the sand in your sandfilter as well) dont just back wash it does not clean a sandfilter from koi crap.

Adi during summer months they actually heal quickly winter is a problem but then the wounds also dont manifest that fast. With the right treatment your fish will heal quickly.

Yes Adi I would still treat the pond. You have to get rid of the origin of the problem.
Personally I would go with Potasium but that has to be be done with caution by someone competent. (I use the 5 day/every day treatment). and your pond condition (dead leaves muck algea and volume should be known)