Bacterial Infections
The
most common reason koi experience a bacterial infection is when their slime
coat or epidermal layer is broken and the bacteria is allowed to infect
the koi. These sores can grow very quickly if they are not treated.
Injecting A Fish
By
far the most effective way to treat a bacterial infection
is to inject the koi with antibiotics. This gets the proper amount of medication
directly into the koi. The easiest way to inject a koi is to guide the
koi into a clear plastic bread bag, drain out the excess water, roll the
koi over on its back, pull the excess bag back until the bag is tight around
the koi and then inject the koi through the bag in the area between the
anus and the ventral fins at a slight angle toward the head. The koi should
be given an injection once a day for three days in a row and then every
other day for two more injections. If the water is below 55 degrees spread
out the injections to one every other day for a total of 5 injections.
This is necessary because the koi’s metabolism is very slow below 55 degrees.
To inject the koi, use a 1cc diabetic syringe with a 25 gauge, ¾
inch needle. You will need to get the antibiotics through your local veterinarian.