Dwarf Gourami Disease And Dropsy

[Rackie]

Hi,

Not sure if this is in the correct section but I was hoping that someone can possibly advise the differences between Dwarf Gourami disease and Dropsy as post's on this forum seem to describe both symptoms of the diseases being almost identical.

If I am correct the only sign(s) are that the sick fish will 'bloat' or swell up around the stomach and will become lethargic. Other than this is there any way of telling the difference between the two

 

[Spooky76]

As far as I know the scales dont stick out, as you said its almost the same.

My Gourami died of this, I treated with a broad spectrum bacterial med, but it did nothing, not sure if an internal bacteria medication would help.....might be worth a try. Interpet do an anti internal bacteria medication.

 

[WILDER]

What do you feed the fish?
Try some shelled peas first.
Can the fish maintain its balance in the water.

 

[-germ-]

I may be missing something here, but what do you mean by Dwarf Gourami Disease?
Any links....

 

[WILDER]

Think it can show the same symtoms as fish tb not sure n monks did a thread on it will find it for you.Mainly sores I thinkhttp/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=153493

 

[chelle]

there is a desease affecting dwarf gouramis at present was highlighted in PFK

http/www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/...m.php?news=1139

 

[-germ-]

So 'dwarf gourami disease' does not actually represent a partiular baterial infection, more the species susceptibility to a number of different illnesses/bacterial infections. I reckon people need to be careful with this term if so, common names as everyone knows; suck. Using such a loose term is only going to lead to misdiagnosis and confusion.
I assume the link to PFK is in reference to DGIV?
If so, again, methinks it's best refered to as DGIV (dwarf gourami iridovirus(sp)) not Dwarf Gourami Disease to prevent confusion.
Anyhow, just my opinion, i was confused by the terminology used by the OP.

Op;
Dropsy isn't an illness, it is a symptom itself. It is commonly associated with bacterial infection, overfeeding or poor diet particularly too much protein, osmoregulatory difficulties and viral illness (as Wilder mentioned i don't think this is one of the symptoms to look for when considering DGIV). I think you may be getting dropsy as a result of bacterial infection and them being two entirely seperate entities confused....

I think there is a DGIV link in my sig....
Edit; Yep.

 

[chelle]

good points Germ

 

[Rackie]

Thanks for all your replys folks

Unfortunately it was too late as whatever the Gourami was suffering with was too far gone and he has now died

On inspecting the fish he had become swollen quite considerably around the stomach/anus and also a slight redness was visible around the anus as well. No scales were sticking out so this leads me to believe that this was not a case of Dropsy?

Before he died he was able to swim quite normally, albeit a little lethargicaly and he did not have much of an apetite either. Was feeding dry flake food (once a day) and the day prior to his death I had given the community tank a cube of frozen bloodworm.

This leads me onto my next concern. This Gourami was part of a community tank so would the other inhabitants be at risk? Especially the two Female Dwarf Gourami's I have.

Tank is 180 UK litre, not sure on water stats as I had recently done a water change and this tank has been running for the best part of six months now, this being my first fatality.

Other fish - 2 x Female Dwarf Gourami, 1 x Bristlenose Plec, 3 x Peppered Cory, 3 x Panda Cory and 6 x Harlequin Rasbora.

 

[WILDER]

A swollen red anus can be dropsy get you some info.
Scales don't always have to stick out for a fish to die of it.

 

[WILDER]

Typical the site down again.
I will leave you the link to try later look under dropsy.

http/www.aquaculture.bz/fish-disease/Gyrodactylus.html
Flake food and blood worms are a bad diet to high in protein.
Need veg and frozen foods.

 

[Rackie]

Flake food and blood worms are a bad diet to high in protein.
Need veg and frozen foods.

I occassionaly leave a cube of Cucumber or Courgette in the tank for the fish (well the BN mainly eats it) but what other veg and frozen foods can you reccommend as an alternative diet. I also sometimes use the Tetra Prima granule food as well.

 

[WILDER]

The fish you have a diet of
Bloodworms no more than twice a week.
Brime strimp.
Daphinia very good a digesting a fish food.
Mico worms and black worms.
Krill
You can buy frozen foods in multi packs with different foods in them.

Veg.
Peas.
Cucumba.
Sproats.
Savoy cabbage.
Spinach,
Broc anything green really.

 

[Rackie]

Many thanks WILDER, you have been extremely helpful and this is very much appreciated

Trip to the LFS to put my fish stock onto a new healthy eating regime I think

 

[WILDER]

My fish are better fed them me.