Surgical removal of an anal cyst caused by a protozoan parasite (Thelohanellus kitauei) from a koi (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

Case Description-An 8-month-old koi (Cyprinus carpio) fish was examined at the animal hospital at Seoul National University for anal obstruction. Clinical Findings-The affected fish was lethargic and anorexic, appeared depressed, and had a nodular obstruction at the anus. A biopsy specimen from the anal mass was submitted for histologic examination, which revealed a number of protozoa. On the basis of the morphological characteristics of the spores and the location of the plasmodia (ie, vegetative form of the parasite), a diagnosis of a cyst containing Thelohanellus kitauei was made. Thelohanellus kitauei is a protozoan parasite that affects freshwater fish by producing cyst-like tumors that may cause intestinal obstruction. Thelohanellus kitauei infection with cystic disease has been reported to affect Cyprinus spp worldwide. Treatment and Outcome-The cyst was removed surgically. After surgery, low-concentration tricaine methanesulfonate immersion was used for sedation and antimicrobial treatment was administered. The surgical wound healed completely, and the fish was clinically normal 14 months after surgery. Clinical Relevance-The successful outcome in this fish suggested that surgical removal may be a viable option for treatment of T kitauei infection in koi fish. The results of morphological analyses provided basic information on the relationships between tissue tropism and Thelohanellus spp. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2011;238:784-786)