Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

mmettler · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

Hello everyone,

I have a betta fish that I believe is suffering flexibacter columnaris. Obviously I diagnosed it myself and have been treating it with an antibiotic recommended by an LFS. But a week has passed and his condition seems to have worsen so I'm ready to throw in the towel and seek professional help.

So my next question is - is there a vet that specializes in fish illnesses around Kuala Lumpur? I'm not sure if all general vet practices have this specialty so I thought I'd ask here.

Thanks,
Steve Mettler

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

Generally, most vet dont treat fishes. Those vets that treat fishes, have learnt about fish medicine through their own interest. So, as you can imagine, it will be very hard to find one that specialises in fish medicine.

You could try UPM, because the vet faculty there has a small section on fish medicine.

mmettler · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

Thank you for the response Dr. Nat.

Yes, I realize it's hard to find an aquatic vet.. I've called no less than a dozen clinics and couldn't find any. A very nice Dr. Singam from Ampang did however call my wife and gave her UPM's number.

Steve Mettler

ikeng · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 6

U can try Aquatic Animal Health Unit at UPM. Try look for Dr Hassan.
Flexibacter is a Gram negative bac. So a simple staining will tell whether its G+ve or G-ve. Most probably got it from an infected fish (outside source). Basically will do immersion treatment and/or antibiotic injection with the antibiotic against G-ve bac. If possible try to quarantine and treat fish that are to be introduced into the tanks.