Alright... Now What?

[Amunet]

So today ends the day of a tetracycline treatment, and the betta still has the big bump on it's side and it looks like it's gotten bigger.
What do you peeps think I should do?
I really don't want to lose this betta the way I lost the last one (bloated then dropsy occured), but I don't know what to do.

Would an epson salt bath do anything for it? I know it helps fish poo, but this isn't the problem. it's just fluid building up on the one side of his body.

Maybe another go with the tetracycline? If so, when should I start another round?

 

[WILDER]

You can use antibiotics up to three or four weeks, but I'm worried as the bumps getting bigger not smaller.

The bump doesl it look bloated with fluid if so carry on with the tetracycline, but to be honest its not looking good.
How old is the betta?

 

[Amunet]

No idea how old he is, just know he's over a year old since that's how long I've had him. Who knows how old he was when I did get him.
He's not a young thing, but he's still very active and lively.

Yes the bump looks like it's just fluid. Certain angles the light shines right through it so I can see that it is just fluid.

 

[WILDER]

Carry on with the antibiotics.
Do you have any medicated food as that would be better.

 

[Amunet]

No no medicated food. Not sure if he would even eat it.
We need to go to the petstore soon so I'll check and see if they carry any.

 

[WILDER]

Medicated food is better, get you some info.
You would have to remove the tetracycline if you do feed the fish the medicated food as you could be over dosing the fish on antibiotics.
[URL="http/p103.ezboard.com/fthegoldfishandaqu...opicID=26.topic"]http/p103.ezboard.com/fthegoldfishandaqu...opicID=26.topic[/URL]

Reason why the mediacated food is better.

Taken from this link, http/www.goldfishinfo.com/ailment1.htm
Septicemia- A condition where bacteria gains entry into the fish's body through wounds or the stomach. The bacteria can cause failure of the internal organs, damage to body tissue, blood vessels, and result in recognizable symptoms. This often results in internal bleeding, due to the fluids filling the fish's abdomen. Dropsy may occur as a result. The problem with this type of situation is that the bacteria is present inside the fish and safe from the antibiotics you would place in the water. It could be the result of another infection or caused from dirty water. Symptoms: Clamped fins, bulging eyes, red bellies, eroding, reddened fins, lack of appetite, and fish showing signs of being sluggish or exhibiting sluggish behavior. Treatment: It is best to feed the fish antibiotics rather than using the kinds you place directly into the water. Placing the ill fish in a hospital tank is advised while administering treatment. Check your local petstore for some good medicated food or check for antibiotics if necessary. Septicemia is fatal if not treated immediately! top

 

[Amunet]

Thanks a bunch Wilder.
Alrighty.. I'll see if we can get to a petstore tonight and I'll get some food hopefully if they have some. Then get the tetracycline out of the tank and then give him the food.

 

[WILDER]

Only time the medicated food is not an option if the fish isn't eating.
Good luck bless him.
Try get some epson salt that helps draw the fluids out,
http/www.fishjunkies.com/Treatments/salt.php

 

[Amunet]

Have some epson salt. I used it on my female that just died b/c she was also very bloated, but it never seemed to help any.

 

[WILDER]

Never used epson salt to be honest so not sure how good it is.
They say fish help with stress, you have to laugh or you would be pulling your hair out at times.