Ornamental Fish Q&A 23

This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Ornamental Fish Q&A.

This butterfly koi presented for slight asymmetry visible in the trunk area at the level of the cranial aspect of the dorsal fin. The fish was behaving normally but the owner wanted to know the source of the asymmetry.

Question	Answer		Article
What types of problems are on your differential list?	Scoliosis, neoplasia, ascites, and abscess or infection.		Link to Article
What noninvasive diagnostic technique would you use?	Radiography. The spinal defect is difficult to see in the lateral view but evident in the dorsoventral image. This condition appears to be common in koi and may be nutritional, genetic, or traumatic in origin. Affected fish may remain stable or the condition may progress.		Link to Article
What vitamin deficiency may lead to this condition?	Vitamin C.		Link to Article