Scrape

[dwc123]

Hi
I was wondering if anyone could give some guidance on how to perform a scrape?
There are many references to 'have you done a scrape' on the site but I can't find any info on how to start?
I am confident at handling large koi ( years spent on bedfordshire clay pit ), I would like to know how to get a good sample to check- (after you have used the net obviously). Is there a certain time period in which you must check your sample before things start to die? should I be doing a scrape on all my fish on a regular basis or should I wait for signs of illness? Do you need to disinfect slide after testing?

Any info would be great help

[Rising sun koi]

With large koi it is usually best to slow them down a bit using koi calm or something similar to make them easier to handle, and if inexperienced get someone to help you hold the fish. Then using a slide gently scrape down the kois flank from just behind the gill plate down to the tail, using just enough pressure to remove some slime from the scales. When you have collected enough slime on the edge of the slide use a coverslip to move the slime into the centre of the slide. Then place the coverslip over the slime sample and very gently press it, to thin the sample out between the slide and coverslip. Your slide is now ready to be looked at.

You can scrape from different parts of the body to, some places seem to harbour more nasties than others.

You probably have a good while befor you need to examine a slide but its best to do it as quickly as you can. I wouldnt advise scraping your koi too regularly unless there is a problem as it can be quite a stressful procedure for the fish and you! Withe the slips, personally i chuck them out when i have used them, for what they cost its not worth washing them.

John

[dwc123]

Hi John,
Thanks for that.
I am new to koi keeping although I have kept other fish (discus ). Not wanting to tempt fait but here goes, I have been lucky so far with koi health probs but it will probably be a matter of time before something nasty turns up!
Rather than wait for that day, I want to put the bits of kit together now so I am in a position to look at these things as soon as they occur.
As far as microscopes go, could you give me an idea of a good make/magnification that would be ideal for viewing fish scrapes?

Thanks
Dave

[Rising sun koi]

hi, will post at some stage tomorrow, just got in and am knackered!! will be able to help though hopefully.

john

[Rising sun koi]

Hi Dave, with scopes you cant go far wrong with novex or brunel. Most nasties you can see under 100* magnification (white spot, trich, flukes etc.), you probably wont need anything above 400* mag but some do go higher and are effective. The biggest thing to remember at higher mags is that you have to be very careful about moving the slide, as of course at 400* mag and above a tiny movement will be amplified.

I supply microscopes, and for a basic scope without a moveable stage your looking at about £89. I would recomend the moveable stage though and you can buy the add on for this particular scope for £36. The scopes above this all have moveable stages and various other benefits like changeable optical lenses and lights and even binocular lenses etc. These range from £170-£275 dependant on the level of sophistication. Hope this helps.

John

[dwc123]

Hi John,
Thanks for the info, I have been promised a microscope from a friend at work. Won't know how good it is untill I get my hands on it. If it is not suitable I may be back in touch!

Thanks for your help.

Dave