Injecting Goldfish and Koi

[Lolafish]

Where to Purchase Medications

Talk to your local vets that treat exotic pets.  Ask if they have any experience with goldfish.



Dosages

Koi or Common (12-14")

Baytril - .5 ml
Amikacin - .6 ml

Large Goldfish (6")

Baytril - .2 to .3 ml
Amikacin - .3 - .4 ml

Medium Goldfish (3")

Baytril - .1 ml
Amikacin - .2 ml

Small Goldfish (2")

Baytril - .05 ml
Amikacin - .05 ml

**Gentamycin can be used as a substitute for Amikacin, however, it should be used in half the recommended dosage as Amikacin due to it's toxicity.


Supplies Needed



1. 1cc tuberculin (Diabetic) syringe w/ 25 or 28 gauge needle
2. Antibiotic or Vitamin C
3. A Wet towel or a second person to hold the fish

For Sedation: (if needed, but not required)

Clove Oil
Air Stones
2 Large Bowls or 2 Small Buckets
Tank Water

1. Start by preparing 2 vessels of water:  one with 5 drops of oil per gallon of water, and one with clean water and no oil.

2. You can pre-prepare the oil by mixing the dose with water and shaking vigorously to help distribute the oil.  An air-stone will help distribute it as well.

3. Place the fish into the first vessel, then 5-15 minutes later it will become lethargic and roll over.  Perform your procedure.

4. Place the fish into the fresh, clean water when you are done, with an air stone for circulation.  Hold the fish upright in your hands and move it back and forth forcing fresh water through its gills until it has regained consciousness.

When NOT to inject a Goldfish:

The fish is near death
The fish cannot remain upright
The fish is unduly stressed by capture (delay injection until the stress has subsided)
You don't feel comfortable doing the injection

Injection Sites:


© jscms.jrn.columbia.edu

Intramuscular
A. beneath the dorsal fin aiming towards the front of the fish
B. at the bottom of the caudal peduncle aiming towards the front of the fish


© Dr. Erik Johnson


© Raleighlandscape.com
 

© Carolyn Weise
 

Intraperitoneal
A. under the ventral fin
B. adjacent to the anus between the ventral fins and off the midline

The Injection:

Capture the fish with your hands or a net, and place it on its side on a wet towel, exposing the area of injection.  Return the fish to its tank immediately afterwards.

When injecting, it's almost impossible not to peirce a scale, however, you may hold the scales down adjacent to where you are injecting to try to avoid damaging a scale that may come off after injection from being peirced. 

Insert the needle at approx. a 30 to 45 degree angle...the needle should go in with gentle pressure.  Push the plunger of the syringe gently while removing very slowly.  This will keep the liquid from pooling into a hard ball in the fish, and help distribute it for easy absorption.