Abstract

Goldfish are considered particularly susceptible to buoyancy disorders.¹ This problem is multifactorial and often associated with concurrent diseases, such as granulomatous diseases and renal masses displacing the swim bladder.¹ Radiographs, coelomic ultrasound,¹ and computed tomography (CT-scan)² have been used to investigate buoyancy disorders in goldfish. However, visualization via ultrasonography is hampered by the presence of air in the swim bladder and standard radiographs sensitivity is low due to poor coelomic serosal detail. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a preferred modality to investigate soft tissue lesions compared to CT-scan, its feasibility in goldfish has not been reported. The goal of this case series is to describe a protocol of whole body MRI acquisition in water and to report findings in fish ranging from 20 to 366 grams. Reference images were acquired from healthy goldfish to facilitate interpretation. In all cases of buoyancy disorders, additional lesions were detected via MRI compared to traditional imaging techniques. Evaluation of lesion extension and assessment of central nervous system integrity also enabled to precise prognosis in these cases. While expensive, fish MRI should be considered as an alternative imaging modality for buoyancy disorders whenever available at referral centers.

* Presenting author

Literature Cited

1.  Wildgoose WH. 2007. Buoyancy disorders of ornamental fish: a review of cases seen in veterinary practice. Fish Vet J. 9:22–37.

2.  Zoller G, Santamaria-Bouvier A, De Lasalle J, Cluzel C, Duhamelle A, Larrat S, Maccolini E. 2017. Total pneumocystectomy in a telescope goldfish (Carassius auratus) with fungal pneumocystitis. J Exotic Pet Med. 26:19–28.