Red Bugs!

[Whatigot]

Originally Posted by Myka

That is a silly thing to do. That may have been your only chance. It sounds like you have more than $340 in corals, so maybe it's not that bad of a deal. HOWEVER, I have been dealing with vets my entire life (for various animals), and have never heard of a vet that would cost $340 for a call fee, examination fee, and prescription for Interceptor. That seems a bit high, but not only by about $60-80. If I remember correctly, there are 12 pills in the box, and it costs about $80. I could be way off though.

I had to take my pointer with a sore knee to 3 different vets before I found one that wasn't just out to maximize their cash...
Some great vets out there, but some real losers too.

[Snappy]

I would do an iodine dip (Seachem & Tropic Marine both make good products for this) and see what comes off the corals. You may have red bugs but that is not your biggest problem if you have pieces die off in a few days. As Jason said it sounds more like AEFW.

[chandigz]

Calling around won't do much, you will need to talk to them in person and have plenty of research and materials with you to back up what your asking for. Unfortunately it is still considered experimental and not recognized by the vetrinary association, its a prescribed product and they are clampng down on handing out medications these days. When you contact the vet clinics try to talk to the vets themselves not the people at the front desk as they will always tell you to bring in your pet cat or dog and that you can't get it for your aquarium. Try to find a vet that took a fish disease class, has interest in aquaria or even possibly exotic pets you will find that they are more apt to write you a scirpt. When I talked to my vet he said had been asked several times but had no idea about it so he never dished any out. (He's been pretty good with giving me meds if I bring lots of research and write him up a report for future reference so he can help other people) Check with your LFS to see if they know a vet that could help. I have read that they now realize that red bugs are live bearers so you only need one treatment because there are no eggs waiting to hatch.