Common dermatoses of ornamental fish and amphibians

• Published in: In practice (London 1979) 2006-11, Vol.28 (10), p.604-613
• Main Author: Maclean, B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: amphibians; animal pathogens; clinical examination; disease diagnosis; medical treatment; ornamental fish; signs and symptoms (animals and humans); skin diseases; skin lesions
• ISSN: 0263-841X; 2042-7689
• DOI: 10.1136/inpract.28.10.604

WHILE fish and amphibians are rarely seen in most general practices, it is helpful to have some knowledge for the occasional pet goldfish or frog. Many of these cases will involve skin problems. The most likely fish species to be presented are pond fish, mainly cyprinids (carp and goldfish), and tropical tank fish. A wider range of amphibians may be presented and these will usually be frogs and toads (order Anura) or newts and salamanders (order Caudata/Urodela); the third order of amphibians - the limbless caecilians - are extremely rare in captivity in the UK. Amphibians may be largely or totally aquatic, or mainly terrestrial. Aquatic species or life stages are subject to many fish parasites and similar health problems to fish. This article describes the common skin pathogens and presentations that the practitioner may encounter and provides diagnostic and treatment guidelines for these occasional patients. Bruce Maclean graduated from Edinburgh in 1992 and undertook an internship in the avian and exotic department at Utrecht University to study further the veterinary care of birds and exotic animals. On returning to the UK, he worked in practice for a short period before setting up his own practice specialising in birds and exotics where he deals with both first-opinion and referral cases.