Changes

Some fish show no, few or very subtle external signs of BKD.

Some fish show no, few or very subtle external signs of BKD.

Affected fish may be '''lethargic, pale around the gills''' and may have '''exopthalmos. Haemorrhagic lesions''' may be visible around the vent or on the skin, fins and musculature. Cystic cavities may be visible within the musculature.  

Affected fish may be '''lethargic, pale around the gills''' and may have '''[[Exopthalmos - Fish|exopthalmos]]. Haemorrhagic lesions''' may be visible around the vent or on the skin, fins and musculature. Cystic cavities may be visible within the musculature.  

Fish with BKD are often found to be '''anaemic with a 49-66% decrease in circulating erythrocytes''', which are of a smaller size and have increased sedimentation rates. [[Bilirubin]], Blood Urea Nitrogen and Potassium also increase. <ref>Turaga, P., Wiens, G., Kaattari, S (1987) '''Bacterial kidney disease: the potential role of soluble protein antigen(s)'''. ''Journal of Fish Biology'', 31(Suppl. A):191-194</ref>

Fish with BKD are often found to be '''anaemic with a 49-66% decrease in circulating erythrocytes''', which are of a smaller size and have increased sedimentation rates. [[Bilirubin]], Blood Urea Nitrogen and Potassium also increase. <ref>Turaga, P., Wiens, G., Kaattari, S (1987) '''Bacterial kidney disease: the potential role of soluble protein antigen(s)'''. ''Journal of Fish Biology'', 31(Suppl. A):191-194</ref>