More Fish Diseases
If your fish are clearly ill, then it is best to move them to an isolation tank where they can be treated and observed. This will keep the disease from spreading to the rest of your pond   inhabitants. Try to handle the fish as little as possible to minimize any additional stress. Net your fish under the water and guide it into an underwater bowl or bucket. Then lower the bucket into the isolation tank. Your isolation tank does not need to be fancy. You can use an aquarium or a child's wading pool if you like, as long as the fish cannot jump out and it holds enough water for your fish. Some of the more common diseases are as follows:
Anchor Worm: This is actually not a disease but a tubelike parasite about 3/4 inch long. It attaches under the fish's gill with its hooked head while it produces two eggs at its end. Symptoms are mainly a swelling where the parasite is attached. Capture the fish as noted  above and remove each anchor worm with tweezers. You can then treat the spot with an antiseptic such as iodine purchased from your local drugstore.
Dropsy: This is a fish disease that is most often caused by bacteria. It has such a telltale symptom that it is sometimes called the pinecone disease. The fish will swell and the scales bristle away from its sides, making it appear like a pinecone. Although this disease is not contagious, the cause of it is. If your fish show any signs of this disease immediately check your water quality. Dropsy is a hard disease to cure, but a salt-bath treatment may help as shown left above. Usually by the time the disease is discovered their is damage to the internal organs and the fish usually succumb to the disease. At right is a picture of a fish with dropsy. Notice the telltale pinecone appearance.
Finrot, or Bodyrot: In this fish disease a white line develops on its caudal area (where the body and tail join). It often attacks a fantail or a shubunkin. The caudal area becomes inflamed, the tissue disintegrates and needs to be gently removed with a sharp knife. After  removing the tissue, the fish is put on a treatment with a special antibotic. These antibiotics can be administered in the fish's food, or in water in an aquarium or holding tank. You can also apply it directly to the affected area. It is always a good idea, though, to consult a veterinarian before using antibiotics as you will want to be sure the medication and dosage are correct.
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