Dropsy In Bettas. Common?

[fergalthefish]

All of my past 3 bettas have died of dropsy. Is this a common illness to this species or am i just unlucky?

 

[betta fish]

Very Common yes, pretty much all my bettas have ended this way, dropsy is usually a symptom of fluid retention often caused by kidney failure, I have started keeping bettas in softer water now to see if it makes a difference to their longevity as my water is rather hard.

 

[WILDER]

How awful.
What do you feed your betta?
 
Here some information for you on dropsy.
http/www.fish-disease.net/diseases/dropsy.php

 

[Wildbetta]

Unfortunately dropsy is very common in bettas.  Normally brought on by incorrect feeding practices.  Since this species suffers from bloating/constipation very easily it can quickly turn into dropsy if left long enough in that condition.  Also since a lot of bettas are kept in temperatures lower than they need it also brings about the issue of lower immune system which is not capable of fending off bacterial infections - another cause of the symptoms of dropsy.
 
Dropsy itself is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying issue that has affected the kidneys.  The problem is often figuring out what the problem was that caused the fluid retention.  By the time the fish is showing the classic dropsy signs it is most often too late to both find the issue and treat it quickly enough.

 

[Brilly91]

Ive lost a few betta to it, never found any thing to cause it. My latest is doing really well now so im hoping the past was just bad luck.

 

[fergalthefish]

Wilder, i've always fed my bettas on Hikari betta bio gold pellets, with the occasional frozen bloodworm now and then.

 

[attibones]

You know, is never had a problem with dropsy until right after reading this. I had noticed my female Gotgon was getting kid of chunky so I started fasting her, but I suppose the stress from moving and the water conditions as a result from that (though probably not the move itself as we just finished unpacking the tank after 3 hour drive) I suppose brought on the dropsy. Very faint pine coning today. It's frustrating because once that symptom shows there is usually a terribly slim chance that the fish will make it.

 

[scrage]

I've never had a problem with Dropsy but I see it a lot on here. I believe (From what I've read) that its more of a symptom of a different problem (sort of like a fever)thats usually a sign of poor conditions or a bacteria of sorts(?) I've gone full panic mode before when a betta bloated because I was so scared of him pineconing but he was just constipated and I dealt with the issue. I have nightmares about Dropsy. I may be lucky, or because I have a lot of time on my hands. I suggest, if you choose to get another betta, to regulate everything a bit more.

-Make sure the water conditions (PH, temp) are proper for housing a betta.
-Make sure he/she isn't stressed. Messing around with the tank more than you should or constant cleanings and excessive water changes can do that.
-Proper regulated diet. Bettas will eat themselves sick (literally) so be cautious not to over feed.
 
I go by those points and haven't lost a betta to dropsy yet.
Sounds like you've had some bad luck, =( I wish you the best.

 

[fergalthefish]

Maybe i just need to go that extra mile, just be a bit more vigilant! Thanks for your replies and comments!