[crazy-koi]

I have a couple of my Koi that appear to be swimming around with their mouths permantely open. They don't seem to be able to move the bottom of their mouths. Anyone seen this before and if so whats the problem and cure?

regards Crazy Koi

[695pfk]

... I have the same thing - can anyone advise ?

Thanks

Paul.

[brettkoi]

found this in reply to someones letter with same symptons hope it sheds a bit of light on it..
The open mouth thing is upsetting. There are several possible causes, including ulcer or abscess in the roof of the mouth. Sometimes bacterial infections can dissect along the mouth, and all the suspensory ligaments of the mouth and gill covers, damaging the ability of the mouth to open and close, and for the gill covers to be able to flare. Finding an ulcer in the mouth, on the mouth or in the roof of the mouth would support this. Injections of antibiotics *rapidly* control those infections, but often time the damage to the mouth is permanent. Secondly, a foreign body in the gills or back of throat or oropharnyx could be present. In my practice I have seen stones, rocks, pebbles, acorns, pinecones, catfish, and bobbers. (You will have to handle the fish and look for something in the gullet, like a stone or acorn or pinecone.) In some cases the mouth gets damaged in handling. I've seen fish that were roughly handled at Koi Shows and the jaw gets broken. The entire snout simply everts outward, and cannot (for the broken bones and cartilage in the face, cannot pop back in. Success can be had sewing the bones together and tacking the mouth shut. A professional who could do both, the anesthesia and the proper procedure should be consulted.

A digital image down the gullet of the fish, or a trip to the office might be good.

[akita01]

Seen This Before Mate Sorts Its Self Out 99 Per Cent Of The Time

[ogawa only]

test your water parameters first off , if you have some koi sedation , catch the biggest one doing it , sedate the koi and give it a good looking at , first off check the mouth , but more importantly check the colour of the gills


steve