Dropsy..

[flamepony12]

Hello, I'm new here. I have a betta named Harold, and at the moment he has dropsy. We are treating it with Maracyn-Two, has anyone else used this on bettas with dropsy? Has anyone ever lost a fish to dropsy? Thanks! (We are pretty sure he is on the verge of getting better).

Devon

 

[BettaMomma]

Hi there. Welcome to the forum!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but dropsy is usually pretty fatal - few treatments work.

However...
are you positive that it's dropsy?
What are his symptoms? Is he to the point of pineconing yet?

 

[Kiarra]

Some people have had success with Maracyn 2 and Tetracycline when adminstered soon enough, but it is by no means a guaranteed cure. Dropsy is usually fatal---I've been fortunate to only lose two Guppies to it, and have it stop there.

Another thing worth trying is colloidal silver. But I'm by no means an expert on it.

 

[Haiku]

Devon, from what I've been reading, it really depends on the cause of the dropsy if you will be able to help your little guy or not. Dropsy is not actually a disease in itself but the common name for the abdominal swelling, which can have multiple causes such as bacterial infection (septicemia), organ swelling caused by disease or cancer, or internal parasites. The Maracyn may help if it's parasites or a mild bacterial infection, but if it's a more serious cause, there may not be a lot you can do. His tank should be kept warm (80-85 if possible), and adding some aquarium salt (not regular table salt) may help him feel better although won't cure him.

Here is a link for a bit of additional information about dropsy in bettas

http/www.mushi.petfish.net/dropsy.html

 

[SarahBravo]

Hi, I dosed with Maracyn1 and Maracyn 2, and also added about 100ml of 10ppm colloidal silver, and Bob the Betta made a 100% recovery. However, everything I've read says dropsy is really difficult to cure, so no guarantees, maybe I was just lucky.

It's worth a try though. And make sure the tank and water are 100%.

HTH

 

[flamepony12]

Thanks for your help everyone, but I've come back with bad news. The day before yesterday, Harold passed away due to the dropsy.

 

[WILDER]

Dropsy awful not many make it, sorry for your loss, R.I.P.

 

[Kiarra]

I'm very sorry to hear that, but dropsy IS usually a losing battle. It sounds like he was much-loved, though.

 

[BettaMomma]

Sorry to hear about little Harold.
It's always sad when they go on.