Skin scrapes and gill clips are included in all pond and tank side health consults. Routine parasite screening is important in keeping happy, healthy fish, year round.

Skin scrapes are collected from the underside of fish and analysed under the microscope for parasites and cells. The procedure is non-invasive and can be performed on conscious patients where sedation isn’t appropriate.

Gill clips involve taking a small sample of gill tips (filaments) in order to look at the structure and cellularity of the gills as well as the presence of parasites. This procedure is slightly more invasive compared to a skin scrape and is always performed under sedation.

Gill clips are very useful in assessing the health and nutritional status of fish.

Please note: that for very small fish like those found in home aquaria like tetras or danios, not all diagnostic tests will be possible. The vet will give guidance on the day as to what will and will not be possible.