The greatest advancement in koi and goldfish healthcare is the use of injectable medicines. Injections allow administering a known dose of medication into the fish (where it's needed) and can be used even if a fish has stopped eating.

There are times when a when a fish should not be injected (e.g. the fish is so close to death that it cannot remain upright, breathing is very laboured and the fins are red, etc) or if you aren't comfortable giving the injection (and can't find someone who can do it). There is no reason to feel bad if you cannot give your fish an injection as it can be a very unnerving task. With the growth of wet pet veterinarians and hobbyists there may be someone near you who can help. The Associated Koi Clubs of America (AKCA)can be very helpful in locating a vet or a Koi Health Advisor (KHA) who can help. AquaVetMed.info also maintains a searchable database of aquatic vets and disease diagnostic laboratories.

Injectable drugs are strictly regulated and you will need a veterinarian prescription to obtain them. Also, residents of CT, IL, MA, NJ, or NY need a prescription to purchase needles and syringes. Insulin syringes work great for all except the thickest medicines.

There two common ways to inject medications:

• Intraperitoneal (IP)
• Intramuscular (IM)

Intraperitoneal (IP) injections deliver medicine into the area that surrounds the organs (peritoneal cavity). Drug absorption is very good with IP injections. The injection is given behind the “armpit” of the ventral fin, off the midline of the fish. DO NOT inject into the midline of the fish because there is a large blood vessle there. Also if the fish is a gravid (egg laden) female, the antibiotics may simply go into the egg mass and the medicine may not diffuse well throughout the body. If you have a gravid female the Intramuscular (IM) is a better delivery system.

This video shows BE (Ebay Queen's goldie) receiving an IP injection

BE had an injection site reaction and it healed up over time.

Intramuscular (IM) injections deliver medicine into a muscle and can be given beneath the dorsal fin or at the bottom of the caudal peduncle (the base of the tail).

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