[richy_c]

I have a 1000L pond and all the fish are and have been healthy for 4 years until recently when one of them began showing signs that it may have swallowed a small pebble.

Gradually over the last 4 weeks, he looks like he's going down hill and has lost some weight. He still feeds, although less than he used to and he is always breathing hard and at the surface. If I try and catch him, he's ever so lively but when I observe from a distance, he's up at the surface gulping.

None of the other koi gulp at all - they're all very healthy and happy. Water quality is excellent as I am passionate about koi and their well being, but unsure as to what is wrong this time.

Yesterday, I caught him to have a closer look down his throat to check for blockages. When I looked down, I could see nothing unusual. However he didn't gulp for air like other fish do when you catch them, his mouth stayed fully open without moving. I don't know if this is important or not but thought I would mention it.

If this koi did swallow a pebble, I'm guessing he wouldn't be feeding? I would really like some advice on this as winter is arriving shortly and am concerned about his well being and need it sorted before it gets too cold.

Thank you for reading.

Richard

[brek]

I think you need to pull the gill plates open and look at the gills, I don't think swallowing something would interfere with breathing, it may be that gills are damaged or possibly covered in mucus, if it is the case that ther are covered in mucus there is a treatment available.

[richy_c]

thanks for the reply. I'll catch him and have a look at his gills and then treat accordingly.

[richy_c]

Had a look at the gills and they had an unusual shape to them. So took a picture on my phone and then popped up my local koi shop.

They diagnosed immediately and recommended NT Labs F-M-G and 1 week on, he's right as rain. I am also now providing vitamins in a spray form onto the food and the improvement is tremendous.

Thanks for you help

[brek]

Interesting, I was thinking either gill damage or clogged, did they say what the mgf was for? can you post the pic so others may see as it will help in diagnosis if other suffering similar issues.

[richy_c]

Sure that's a good idea. Attached are 2 pics

You can see the gills easily and the shape they have become. I feel guilty I didn't do anything earlier but delighted the koi is fit and well, even though it's not been long.

Breathing is back to normal. He's not feeding as much as I would like but it is a bit colder at the moment.

[brek]

don't be too hard on your self, you noticed something wrong and acted on it, and asked questions, I am no expert on koi health BTW, just picked up a bit here and there, I will ask around as not sure if that is damage from parasites or a congenital condition, good news that the fish is on the mend.

[richy_c]

bit of an update...

I'm a little concerned about the koi. He's not showing interest in food, in fact will swim past it when the others are feeding - this is unusual as he is normally greedy. He's also becoming a bit of a loaner, hanging around the surface under the sheltered areas on his own.

Is this something to be concerned about?

His breathing is normal, skin is normal and he looks great. But I've noticed a little weight loss.

All the other koi are very active and healthy and feeding.

[brek]

had an ask about and a salt bath has been suggested to clean mucus from gills, 3% solution for 20 mins in aerated water i.e. 1/2 oz per gallon.

[Davej]

Yes it does looks like the Gills have suffered damage, this fish is always gonna find things a bit of a struggle.

Brek; you sure about those numbers?

Dave