Fish & Aquatic Pet Care

Diagnosing and treating aquatic life.

Diagnosing sick fish and other aquatic pets requires a more involved approach than diagnosing a sick dog or cat. To facilitate a diagnosis of your aquatic pet's illness, the following information and samples are requested:

• The affected aquatic animal or, if a group of animals are affected, please bring several animals or the one that seems to be the most affected. Providing notes or video of how the animal is behaving in its own environment, i.e. floating on its side, laying on the bottom of the tank, swimming erratically, etc., is extremely helpful.
   
• Housing dimensions (length, width, and height), substrate, plant types (natural and/or artificial), type of aeration, type of lighting, type of heating, and the number and type of aquatic animals within the environment. A video of the tank with all working components can aid in our diagnosis of your pet’s health concerns.
   
• Any medications you have used, or are currently using.*
   
• A total of three equal water samples is required: one to transport your animal to our hospital, one for water testing, and one so your animal can have clean water for transportation home.
   
• Please bring the type of food (or foods) being fed to your pet in its original container. (Certain diets may be unsuitable or may not meet the nutritional needs of your pet fish.)

*Please note that by treating your aquatic pet before taking it to the vet may mask the presence of certain diseases and make diagnosis more difficult.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (828) 268-1159 or request an appointment online.