Leo the Lion fish heading to NCSU

[Linda C.]

As soon as I heard Leo's symptoms my heart dropped.

Asking what he was being fed and that the store recommended this made me angry.

Two+ months later when Leo was fed he couldn't seem to open his mouth any longer. He was being fed Krill. He now has lockjaw.

I feel nothing will be accomplished by just being angry...so I put my energy into trying to make sure Leo's death isn't in vain.

I wrote to Kelly Jedlicki and also Frank Marini for help me with this situation.

I asked about gavaging Leo but I knew deep down this wasn't realistic. The owner was so distraught..she felt like since she asked specifically what to feed and she did what she thought was best that she did this to him. She is a mess over this. I think I was hoping ,like she was, that there might be a chance for him.

I have contacted the store and spoke to the owner. He told me he would speak to his staff and to try to have them informed on proper food and nutrition that should be fed to the livestock that they sell.

Leo will be shipped out to North Carolina State University and will be studied by Dr. Lewbart and his team.


PLEASE take a moment to read this thread.

http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic78667-10-1.aspx

[Tony A.]

Any word yet?

Very interesting...but sad too. :frown:

[Linda C.]

Any word yet?

Very interesting...but sad too. :frown:



This came yesterday:
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Linda,

Leo made it to NCSU alive!
Here is Dr Lewbart's email....will let you know more as I receive updates.

Kelly

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Dear Kelly,


The lion fish did make it alive and we just finished with the necropsy a short time ago. It was pretty weak on arrival but certainly in excellent condition for diagnostic purposes. One of our students was able to get a very good antemortem blood sample for analysis and we have liver and muscle saved for testing. No parasites were observed on the gills or skin. The liver was quite pale, as were the gills. More to follow!

Best,
Greg

[Tony A.]

Impressed!

Sounds like he's in good hands....great job! :hatsoff:

Keep us informed as you hear...thanks.

[Toyota Guy]

wow.... this fish is a trooper! Amazingly strong will to survive......

Linda thank you for being the caring person you are and for helping this fish the way you have..... We need more people in this hobby like you.

[Tony A.]

Any word Linda?

[Linda C.]

They performed lab work, histiopath, and necropsy. Some of the cultures will take some time as well as the report.

I had met up with Christine Williams on my trip to Long Island this past weekend. She and Anthony have been following Leo also. She offered to do any culturing that I would need in the future. This is great news for me.

Christine will be a speaker at this years MACNA..."Fish Health". I'm very excited and looking forward to hearing her this year.

As I get updates on Leo I will post them in the thread.

[sbeth1179]

What ever happend to leo? Is he still alive?

[Linda C.]

What ever happend to leo? Is he still alive?

a necropsy is an autopsy for fish.

Leo arrived alive, was observed and then humanely euthanized.

I had contacted Kelly Jedlicki/Puffer Queen and she helped get Leo into Dr. Lewbart's research of the effects of puffers and predatory fish that have a history of being fed only or large amounts of krill or freeze dried krill.

With his lockjaw, Leo would of died slowly from the effects of starvation. This way Leo might be able to help others by being part of this scientific study.

[sbeth1179]

Oh. Poor Leo.

I swear I learn someting new every day!!! I now know what Necropsy is. What is the normal diet for a puffer fish.
Sara