Moray eel update, was it gas bubble disease?

Summary

In this video, Dr. Richmond Lowe, a fish vet, revisits George, a fish recovering from suspected gas bubble disease or an injury caused by a lionfish. Gas bubble disease, which involves excess gas dissolved in the water, creates dangerous emboli that affect blood flow and organ health. Dr. Lowe discusses the slow recovery process, the treatments used (including diazepam, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics), and innovative ideas for creating a DIY hyperbaric chamber. After nine days, George shows signs of improvement, though he still needs encouragement to eat. The video offers insights into fish care and gas bubble disease management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Richmond Lowe is a fish veterinarian treating George, a fish suffering from gas bubble disease.
• 😀 Gas bubble disease is caused by supersaturation of gases in water, leading to emboli in the fish's bloodstream.
• 😀 George's condition was suspected to be caused by either being spiked by a lionfish or a faulty pump drawing in air.
• 😀 Treatment included Valium, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and B-complex vitamins, helping George recover over several days.
• 😀 Despite not eating in the morning, George showed interest in food and was encouraged to eat by using appetite stimulants.
• 😀 The faulty water pump caused gas supersaturation, similar to the bends in humans, leading to George's illness.
• 😀 Hyperbaric chambers are used for humans with gas bubble disease, but there's no equivalent for fish. Dr. Lowe proposed a DIY method using a weed killer pump spray to simulate pressure changes.
• 😀 Severe cases of gas bubble disease can cause gas accumulation in tissues like behind the eyes, blocking blood flow and leading to tissue damage.
• 😀 Fish species vary in their susceptibility to gas bubble disease, and Dr. Lowe encourages viewers to share their experiences with different species.
• 😀 George has grown significantly, from 20 cm to 1.7 kg, and is recovering well, though still not fully eating.
• 😀 Dr. Lowe invites viewers to comment, like, and subscribe for more updates on future treatments and fish care.

Q & A

What is the suspected cause of George's medical condition?

George's medical condition is suspected to be gas bubble disease, which may have been caused by a faulty or leaky water pump in his tank, drawing air into the water and leading to gas supersaturation.

What is gas bubble disease and how does it affect fish?

Gas bubble disease occurs when excess gas, such as nitrogen, dissolves into the water and forms emboli in the fish's bloodstream, leading to organ damage and neurological deficits, similar to decompression sickness in humans.

How was George initially treated for his condition?

George was treated with a combination of diazepam, anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, and B-complex vitamins to reduce the gas bubbles in his bloodstream and manage symptoms.

What does Dr. Lowe suggest as a potential cause of gas supersaturation in the tank?

Dr. Lowe suggests that the faulty water pump was sucking in air, which traveled through the pipes and dissolved into the water, causing gas supersaturation in the tank.

Why was the response to treatment slow in George's case?

The slow response to treatment is typical of gas bubble disease, as it takes several days for the gas bubbles to dissipate from the fish's body.

What clinical signs showed George’s improvement after treatment?

George became more alert and exhibited fine motor skills, responding to food and showing interest in his surroundings, though he had not yet started eating regularly.

Why hasn’t George started eating regularly despite showing interest in food?

George hasn’t started eating regularly because the video was filmed early in the morning, and he is typically fed in the evening. Additionally, appetite stimulants like garlic juice and fish oils are being used to encourage eating.

What is the suggested DIY solution for creating a hyperbaric chamber for fish?

Dr. Lowe suggests using a weed killer type pump spray to create a small, pressurized environment for fish, though it may only work for smaller fish due to size limitations.

What is the relevance of gas bubble disease in other fish species?

Gas bubble disease can affect various fish species, and Dr. Lowe shares examples of fish such as a trevally, showing how the disease manifests with gas bubbles accumulating behind the eyes and within blood vessels, leading to tissue degeneration.

What is the general outcome of George's treatment, and what is the next challenge?

George has recovered well, showing improved behavior and alertness, but the next challenge is getting him to eat regularly. The treatment has been successful in addressing the symptoms of gas bubble disease, but feeding remains an ongoing goal.