Koi

Whenever you suspect a parasite problem it is advisable to take a skin scrape that can then be examined under a microscope. If you remove your Koi from the pond for a general health check, try and carry out the skin scrape at the same time so that you don’t subject your Koi to any unnecessary stress. If you don’t have a microscope to hand your Koi dealer may be able to help you out, although you must view the scrape quickly, ideally within 30–60 minutes. In most instances it is easier to take a skin scrape if you have someone to help you, so enlist the help of someone before you start. If you’re not experienced at taking skin scrapes you should choose a suitably qualified Koi health professional. You should also ensure that you have all the necessary equipment to hand.

Step one: Preparation
In most instances it is easier to take a skin scrape if you have someone to help you, so enlist the help of someone before you start. If you’re not experienced at taking skin scrapes you should choose a suitably qualified Koi health professional. You should also ensure that you have all the necessary equipment to hand.

Step two: Raise the Koi
Once the Koi has been bowled, follow the steps listed on the opposite page for viewing the underside of a Koi – get the Koi against the side of the bowl but don’t turn it upside down. In order to take a scrape the Koi will need to be raised against the side of the bowl so the area you want to scrape is above the water level.

Step three: Head to tail
With the Koi in this position, take your blunt instrument (wooden spatula or similar) and run it from head to tail along the Koi in the area from which you want to take the sample.

Step four: Transfer mucus
Once you have collected some mucus from your Koi you can then let go of the Koi and transfer the collected mucus onto a microscope slide ready for examination.

Step five: Swabbing
If you want to take a swab from an open wound or ulcer you can do this in a similar way, but the Koi may need to be turned upside down or actually lifted completely from the bowl. You will need to get a swab from your local health professional or vet and get it back to them or in the post to a laboratory as soon as you can after carrying out the procedure.

Written by Keith Holmes

Photos courtesy of Keith Holmes