Dropsy

[lilacamy931]

Hi guys, I have posted this in betta section as well, but specifically here to know if there is anything more i can do for my boy Calcifer as it seems he has developed dropsy at an alarming rate and keeps ballooning further (I dont want to imagine what it is doing to his insides). I have been treating with epsom salt baths and feeding alternate high protein foods and peas. Here are some pics, he is definately pineconing..

Thursday Night:

Last Night:

Any tips to make him comfortable would be welcome, he is completely himself at the moment, no ill effects on his eating, swimming habits or personality he is just a little balloon. I am aware there may be suggestions to euhtanise, I have never had the guts to do it and my partner is usually very good, but Calcifer is very special to us (I know to euthanise will end suffering) but we would need a method that isnt traumatic to everyone. I am also at this stage happy to keep treating in case of miracles..

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Unfortunately as it is Amy... IMO, it is the end of the road and you would do it a favour by just hurling it onto a concrete surface..... I've never seen a positive report of dropsy being healed (despite what several people may claim).... and that is indeed dropsy you have there... Sorry for your loss.

It is contagious, (not extremely, but it is) so make sure that the tank is duly sterilized & new water added. It is tough...

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks for the honest opinion Ludwig (it is really appreciated). I was thinking of getting clove oil as such is the way I have heard meant to be a good way to go (though have heard further reports that it isnt ) Would be worried "hurling" would just damage him andhe suffered more? (Kinda know all the methods from having to look into it last time for a pea puff who kaputed before a chance) and found following:

Blender - NO WAY!
Cutting just behind gills - we just couldnt, really sorry couldnt
Plunging freezing/boiling - doesnt work from what I have heard
Tub in freexer - slow and painful
Smacking on hard surface - doesnt always work first time...
Clove Oil - fish can thrash from the shock
All in between - sounded fairly brutal..

I am in the mind he is not likely to pull through and trying to keep sensible head on for this not emotional. Have read about the contagious side and will do when passed on..

Sorry if the above list sounds brutal but need a way, will be givign him a day or two longer and if continues to get bigger (havent added the latest size) may have to..

 

[Ludwig Venter]

I can relate to your concerns and the mere subject of "killing" a fish has as many theories as there are Aquarists...

I exclusively adopted this method because it is a suggestion by a very old aquarist and fish collecter (in my learning years) & I have a lot of respect for his opinion....

Dr. Herbert Axlerod.. (all older aquarists will know the name.. throughout the 60's/70's and into the 80's, he was MISTER "tropical fish")...

In his most renowned book "Exotic Tropical Fishes", in a section he called "kindnesses and cruelties". he elaborates about tapping against the glass, Switching the lights on suddenly etc. etc, and there, he mentions that the most humane way of killing a fish, is the hurling way.

Hence my believe and conviction that this is the best (&only) way I ever use. I just cannot support the idea of placing them in the freezer or in boiling water, as is generally suggested.

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Sorry to hear about your loss.... Calcifer.... You can always get another one, but not another Calcifer....