Relevant sampling
Select suitable animals, tissues, volumes and transport conditions for the diagnostic hypotheses.
Testing & diagnosis
Vetofish supports aquaculture, aquariums and laboratories with aquatic animal diagnosis through targeted sampling, testing and veterinary interpretation.
Our areas of support
Expertise tailored to your situation, animals and facilities.
Targeted testing
Choose useful investigations while avoiding isolated results that are difficult to interpret.
Contextual interpretation
Relate results to health history, clinical signs, species and environmental parameters.
A structured approach
A clear process from needs assessment to practical recommendations.
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Data collection
History, clinical signs and husbandry conditions.
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Hypotheses
Prioritisation of possible causes and urgent issues.
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Investigations
Sampling and testing suited to the situation.
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Interpretation
Results summary and further recommendations.
Available tests and examinations
Not every investigation is performed in the same place. Vetofish selects the method and laboratory according to the question, species, transport constraints, turnaround time and any accreditation requirements.
Post-mortem examination
A structured examination of the animal to identify lesions, guide sampling and prioritise possible causes.
Best performed as soon as possible after death.Bacteriology and susceptibility testing
Culture, isolation and identification of bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing may support treatment decisions when appropriate.
Skin, gills, kidney, spleen or other tissues depending on the case.Histopathology
Microscopic tissue examination to characterise lesions, assess severity and investigate infectious, inflammatory, degenerative or neoplastic causes.
Fixative selection and sample freshness are critical.PCR, RT-PCR and sequencing
Targeted detection of pathogens or confirmation of an identification through genetic material.
A highly sensitive technique that must be interpreted in context.Virology
Investigation of viral agents using methods suited to the species, suspected disease and sample type.
PCR, cell culture or another method depending on the agent.Parasitology
Observation, identification and, where relevant, quantification of external or internal parasites.
Direct examination, microscopy and targeted sampling.Haematology and blood tests
Assessment of blood cells and complementary tests to document general condition or systemic disease.
Particularly useful when sampling conditions are carefully controlled.Toxicology and micropollutants
Investigation of metals, pesticides, hydrocarbons, PCBs, PFAS or other contaminants in water, sediment or tissues.
Targeted testing based on suspected substances and required packaging.Water quality
Physical, chemical and microbiological measurements interpreted in relation to animal health, husbandry systems and filtration.
Water is an integral part of the diagnostic process. Diagnosis becomes meaningful when results are interpreted in light of the clinical and environmental context.
Before sending samples
Specimen selection, time since death, fixative, temperature, packaging and transport may alter a result or make a sample unusable.
- Describe the signs, timeline and number of animals affected.
- Keep several representative animals whenever possible.
- Do not place samples intended for incompatible methods in the same container.
- Confirm containers and paperwork with Vetofish before dispatch.
Dead animals
Prompt examination, preservation status and organ selection determine diagnostic quality.
Histology
Whole fish, organ or fresh tissue placed without delay in the recommended fixative.
PCR and microbiology
Separate samples, clean equipment and the agreed temperature conditions.
Water and micropollutants
Containers and storage conditions vary with the parameters or substances investigated.
Imaging and on-site examinations
Depending on the species and context, ultrasonography, radiography, blood sampling or other investigations can document an abnormality without limiting the approach to dead animals.
Ultrasonography
Internal organs, reproduction, masses and monitoring of selected lesions.
Radiography
Skeletal structures, foreign bodies and selected abnormalities of the general body cavity.
A useful test answers a clinical question and helps determine what to do next.
Frequently asked questions +
Which samples should be collected?+
Sampling depends on the clinical signs, species, mortality pattern and diagnostic hypotheses. Vetofish can specify suitable animals, tissues, volumes, containers and shipping conditions before samples are sent.
Can you interpret results we already have?+
Yes. Results must be considered alongside clinical findings, health history, water parameters and husbandry. We can review an existing case and identify genuinely useful further investigations.
Is a post-mortem examination always required?+
Not always, although it often provides decisive information in mortality events or non-specific disease. Its value depends on specimen condition, time since death and the tests being considered.
Can you respond to an urgent mortality event?+
Yes, subject to availability and location. An initial discussion helps secure immediate measures, preserve useful samples and determine whether an on-site visit is required.
Do you work with different laboratories?+
Yes. Laboratories are selected according to the tests, species, accreditation requirements, turnaround times and shipping constraints. Vetofish remains independent when selecting and interpreting investigations.
Need to plan a diagnostic investigation?
Let’s identify the samples and tests suited to your situation.
Our sectors
Explore the sectors where Vetofish adapts its veterinary expertise to each organisation.
Aquaculture
Veterinary support for aquaculture facilities, combining prevention, diagnostics, biosecurity and health monitoring to control risks and protect stocks.
- Health monitoring
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Biosecurity
Public aquariums
Veterinary support for public aquariums covering prevention, collection welfare, clinical care, biosecurity and practical guidance for animal-care teams.
- Aquatic collections
- Quarantine
- Regulatory support
Environment
Veterinary expertise for wild aquatic animals, supporting health surveillance, conservation, sampling programmes and environmental research.
- Studies and monitoring
- Scientific fishing
- Transfers and rescue
Research
Veterinary support for research facilities using aquatic animals, covering health monitoring, welfare, protocols and biosecurity within scientific programmes.
- Animal health
- Animal welfare
- Biosecurity