Uronema

[baobao]

Lee,

1) what is Uronema and what causes to afflcit fish?
2) how would one identify it under a microscope?
3) what is the proper treatment if fish is diagnosed with uronema?

Thanks!

[leebca]

If you can ask the technical question, you should be able to easily find the answers on the Internet. However, in brief:

1. It's the name of the condition caused by Uronema marinum, a bacteria.

2. Contrast staining of a section of the fish's tissue. Stained wet mounts of skin, gills, or internal organs (necropsy) containing the parasite.

3. If systemic, the fish will likely die. The treatment for systemic Uronema is usually not possible. If found at the outset prior to going systemic, a series of prolonged formalin baths has worked in the past.

[baobao]

Lee,

Continuing discussion on 3),

What about use of Chloroquine? I think I read that Shedd used to use Chloroquine as part of the QT process for Sea Horses (which I think are very susceptible to Uronema).

I think they said the concentration should be between 10-20 ppm?

[leebca]

The quinine family of drugs have been used with high success. But usually not after the disease has gotten a foothold. I suspect it may prevent it or cure it at the outset, like the formalin treatment would. The average hobbyist usually doesn't have quinine products directly made available for their use. I wouldn't know its proper concentration to prevent or cure marine fishes of this.