Who can help me provide a positive ID for internal parasites?

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C

CrAzYNeSs

Candiru
MFK Member
Sep 17, 2009
962
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48
Here.
Hellow fellow ray keepers,

Where can I go to get someone to do a positive ID on internal parasites? I just can't think of anyone that I can take a piece of "ray poo." I also don't own a microscope, so I am at a total loss.

As always, thanks everyone!

Best,
J
 
u need to call a vet near u. im sure they check dogs and cats the same way
 
While Vet clinics do fecal samples on mammals, many are not versed on the
different types of aquatic parasites. They can see the parasites but would
be unfamiliar with what type they are and how to treat them.
At least that is what they told me here locally on one occasion when I called
and asked if they could do it.
I have several other vets in the area but have never checked with them.
 
I am sure you can buy a cheap microscope somewhere like Toys R Us. Do you think your ray has internal parasites or are you just inquiring about them? If your ray is WC then it is a good chance that it might have them but if it is CB then I doubt it unless it was kept with WC rays. Most on here just Prazi Pro the tank at a 2x to 4x dose on all new rays. Some will argue that you need to find out what parasite it has and the others just dose to be safe. That is a decision you will have to make.
 
FishDog;3647778; said:
Some will argue that you need to find out what parasite it has and the others just dose to be safe. That is a decision you will have to make.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I do not want to do... I want to make sure and get a positive ID before dosing. Lately I have been very suspicious of the male, as his feces has become white and stringy. I do not want to dose without knowing exactly what it is... as prazi is for worms and metro is for intestinal parasites.
 
i think i would only use what the label says, 2-3x the dose seems real strong...i know lots on here who say they do it, but i wouldn't
 
keepinfish;3647818; said:
i think i would only use what the label says, 2-3x the dose seems real strong...i know lots on here who say they do it, but i wouldn't
Click to expand...

I agree, I only run a 2x if I have to dose.
 
CrAzYNeSs;3647815; said:
That's exactly what I do not want to do... I want to make sure and get a positive ID before dosing. Lately I have been very suspicious of the male, as his feces has become white and stringy. I do not want to dose without knowing exactly what it is... as prazi is for worms and metro is for intestinal parasites.
Click to expand...

Unless you are in the know with some experts, chances are even if you did get a microscope you wouldn't be able to ID the parasite. Not much info on the internal kind like there is on the external. That is why a lot of ray keepers on here QT there rays and treat with prazi even if they don't need it. More people dose without knowing what the problem is then you think. Now getting them to admit it is another story LOL! If I were you and I have thought this myself is buy a cheap microscope and see what you find. I have always been curious to see what is in the poo:)
 
I'll probably get one, use it to ID and take a picture. I'm curious now as well.

God... I swear... most of what MFK has done for me is encourage the spending of more money. :D
 
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