Gas bubble disease in fish

Gas bubble disease in fish, also known as supersaturation or “bending”, can occur for several different reasons and can affect both fresh and salty water.

It is important to know the symptoms of gas bubble disease in fish so that treatment can be requested as soon as possible. The disease is not fatal in itself, but it can cause fish lack of oxygen and cause pain that can cause secondary diseases and other problems.

What is Gas Bubble Disease in Fish?

Gas bubble disease occurs when air bubbles are trapped in fish organs where air is not normally involved, such as the eyes and gills. These bubbles interfere with the movement of the blood and cause stenosis in the blood vessels. This reduces blood and oxygen delivery to various organs.

Gas bubble disease in fish must be treated promptly to maintain the normal functioning of the fish’s diseased devices.

Symptoms of gas bubble disease in fish

• Bulging or protruding eyes (one or both)

• Positive buoyancy (fish float unless they are actively swimming from the surface)

• Lethargic

• Reduced appetite

• Visible foam in the fish’s eyes or skin

What causes gas bubble disease in fish?

Gas bubble disease occurs when very small microbubbles that were initially invisible to the human eye are spread through the gills into the blood of fish. These very small bubbles slowly gather in one space over time until they become noticeable to pet parents.

When the water in the tank is supersaturated with gas, the fish’s bodies absorb excess gas that forms bubbles within the tissue.

The most common space where gas bubble disease is visible is in the fish’s eyes.

The most common causes of gas bubble disease in fish are:

• Very small pipe leaks allow microbubbles to be incorporated into the system. This is usually seen with external hoses connected to the canister filter and chiller. The hose attachment point is the most common site of small leaks and is the pinprick hole in the tube (especially the older tube).

• During sudden changes in environmental pressure or temperature, the gas diffuses from the bloodstream.

• Gas bubbles form in tissue after trauma. Usually, it is eye-related damage from attacks from a tank ally.

How a veterinarian diagnoses gas bubble disease in fish

Gas bubble disease can be diagnosed through a simple eye examination by a veterinarian. Veterinary glasses or magnifying lenses are usually used to assess the structure of the eye of all species.

Diagnosis of gas bubble disease in fish

X-rays are usually taken to check for free air elsewhere in the body. Free air within Coelom, the main internal cavity of the fish where the organ is located, is an emergency and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent organ damage.

Your fish need sedation to stay still for X-rays to be useful. The fish can be held in a holding container, a tank’s water bag, or without water and placed gently on the plate for a few seconds. Your vet will determine the best technique for your fish.

Two images will be taken. One is photographed with a fish on the belly and the other is photographed with a fish on the side. These two images can be combined to find the exact location of the trapped air.

If the device is available, you can prescribe a CT scan. CT gives veterinarians a more detailed look at all potential free air issues.

Gill biopsies may be employed to assess the presence of gas bubbles in gill tissue.

How to treat gas bubble disease in fish

Minor GBD treatment

Mild gas bubble disease can be solved by adjusting environmental problems (such as tank water pressure and temperature) while playing.

To ensure that environmental issues are the first cause of the disease, make sure that the fish recovers, to make sure that the fish recovers. This may require a re-check from your veterinarian to ensure that the original cause of gas bubble disease has been resolved.

Severe GBD treatment

Severe gas bubble disease is usually treated by using a needle to inhale or hit free air. Depending on how long it takes for gas bubbles to break out of the fish, multiple aspirations may be required.

medicine

Antibiotics are also recommended to prevent secondary infections. Antibiotics may be administered systemically, either injected or orally, and/or as topical treatment.

Topical treatments help to heal your eyes faster when you put fish in water, but they can be washed away quickly. Pet parents may need to provide their own treatment at home. This requires minor capture skills to reduce stress and not chase fish very often.

Monitoring environmental factors

Like other illnesses, Monitoring water quality and providing a high-quality diet is essential for proper healing.

In severe cases, the affected eye may need to be surgically removed. Depending on the species, the fish may need a prosthetic or implant.

Recovery and management of gas bubble disease in fish

If microbubbles are recognized in gills or other tissues, they can take days to weeks depending on the environmental conditions of the tank or pond. Veterinarians can inhale large air bubbles from the fish, including those found inside by x-rays.

If gas bubble disease is left untreated, it can lead to loss of the eyes and other internal tissues. Gills affected by gas bubble disease cannot easily diffuse oxygen, leading to accumulation of carbon dioxide in fish, severe lethargy and difficulty breathing.

Severe cases, including surgery, may require you to keep your fish in Hospital Tank A certain period of time.

The fish with the eyes usually have no problem eating or swimming or eating food or swimming, but it takes time to adapt to the new normal routine.

How to prevent gas bubble disease in fish

• Check all pipes to ensure tight seals.

• Make sure all the fish are getting along well and not overly aggressive.

• Closely Monitor temperature fluctuations.

• Monitor atmospheric pressure.