Fish Aeromonas & Vibrio Disease | Septicemia, Pop Eye, Treatment
Carlrs
SEPTICEMIA:
Aeromonas (along with Vibrio in brackish and marine) are common causes of hemorrhagic septicemia. Note; Septicemia is often incorrectly identified as a disease of its own and called "Red Pest", however it is not rather a symptom or condition.
Septicemia happens whereby the microorganism enters the blood stream,
resulting in septic shock, rapidly followed by death in many cases.
Clinical signs of Aeromonas septicemia range from mild symptoms of red
streaks to more serious symptoms such as sudden death with high
morbidity in peracute cases to superficial to deep skin lesions. Skin
lesions include variously sized areas of hemorrhage and necrosis and the
base of the fins.
These lesions may progress to reddish to gray ulcerations with necrosis of the underlying musculature.
Ulcers may be observed in conjunction with a hemorrhagic septicemia
which can produce non-specific lesions and clinical signs of
exophthalmos (Abnormal protrusion of the eyeball), ascites (An abnormal
accumulation of serious fluid in the abdominal cavity), and visceral
petechiation (Small red or purple spots on the body), and a hemorrhagic
and swollen lower intestine and vent.
Anorexia and skin discoloration are also observed with the septicemia.
Unfortunately once septicemia is widespread within the fish in question, usually the prognosis is very poor regardless of that the aquarium keeper does both medicinally and improvement of water conditions.
When Septicemia is present, Tetracycline products including
Minocycline (Maracyn 2) should NOT be used as these can exasperate the
problem by lowering red blood cell count.
Reference: Aquarium Medications Part 2; Antibiotics
As well when Septicemia or especially when open sores are present do
not use products containing the strong oxidizers Potassium Permanganate
& Dichromate (such as Tetra Fungus Guard). This can be toxic,
sometimes leading to eventual death. Often a "tell tale" sign of toxic
poisoning is color changes to the fish.
Reference: Aquarium Medications Part 3; Potassium Permanganate & Dichromate