Dr. Jessie Sanders is breaking new ground as one of the first 10 veterinarians to receive a board certification in fish practice. Her passion for fish began unexpectedly while volunteering at an aquarium in college. Now, she runs Aquatic Veterinary Services, providing care for a variety of fish, including carnival goldfish and prizewinning koi. Dr. Sanders highlighted the challenges and rewards of her work, including the importance of understanding water chemistry for fish health and the care required for buoyancy disorders.
As a fish veterinarian, Dr. Sanders emphasized the need for specialized care, including biopsies, ultrasound, and surgeries like enucleations. She shared heartwarming success stories of fish healing after treatment, such as a goldfish recovering from an eye abscess. Despite the complexities of fish care, Dr. Sanders is dedicated to providing the best possible treatment for her aquatic patients.
However, Dr. Sanders faces challenges in advocating for fish health within the veterinary profession and in the broader public perception of fish as pets. She stressed the importance of recognizing fish as living creatures deserving of care and respect. Dr. Sanders hopes to raise awareness of the unique veterinary care needed for fish and to educate the public on the importance of proper fish healthcare. Through her innovative work, Dr. Jessie Sanders is making a significant impact in the field of aquatic veterinary medicine, one finned patient at a time.
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