Ill Betta, Help Needed!

[TropicalJosh]

My siamese fighter has been swollen for quite a while now, but it had got progressively worse over a short period of time. It is in a 'hospitaltank' now. Any tips greatly appreciated. As I really do not want to lose this fish - although it looks like that is what will happen.

- Josh

Can't upload a picture, so here's a link to one: http/yfrog.com/h8u0jldj
Thanks again.

 

[lilfishie]

his scales are raised which is making me think dropsy

has he been pooing? and eating?

 

[TropicalJosh]

Not eating or pooing

 

[lilfishie]

if you have a test kit pop the results up


i found this on the net

"It's possibly the hardest internal bacterial infection to cure. There are a number of medications available such as penicillin, tetracycline and naladixic acid. The fish usually doesn't make it. By the time the scales begin to raise, however, it is very fatal to the fish. Salt baths can help to draw the fluid out of the fish. A variety of medications can be purchased that treat dropsy, which sometimes occurs due to an internal bacterial problem. Medications for external bacterial problems only will not be effective for this problem. "

 

[TropicalJosh]

Thanks for that! And unfortunately no, I don't have a test kit. About the salt baths, is normal table salt suitable and if so how do I go about doing this?

- Josh

 

[lilfishie]

no don't use normal table salt there is one thats good at drawing out fluids but i don't know which think it may be epsom salt but unsure

 

[TropicalJosh]

Thanks for that, I'll look into it!

 

[sXeLifer]

Thats definitely dropsy, he might take a while to recover but this stuff sorted my rosy tetra out when he had it, did take around two weeks though.

Just a bit of additional info - I was told that my tetra was going to die and that he was very weak when he had dropsy, and he pulled through and is now the alpha in my group of five, he also was going through treatment during my tank refurb which included myself adding more sand and emptying the tank of all ornaments etc, surprising how rock solid some fish can be

 

[TropicalJosh]

Thats definitely dropsy, he might take a while to recover but this stuff sorted my rosy tetra out when he had it, did take around two weeks though.

Just a bit of additional info - I was told that my tetra was going to die and that he was very weak when he had dropsy, and he pulled through and is now the alpha in my group of five, he also was going through treatment during my tank refurb which included myself adding more sand and emptying the tank of all ornaments etc, surprising how rock solid some fish can be

Thanks for that, I'll get some tommorow, hope it works - fingers crossed!

 

[loraxchick]

I would absolutely NOT jump to dropsy conclusion. Looks like severe constipation to me. What is his normal diet and feeding schedual? I especially suspect constipation as he is not pooing and the swelling is all in his belly. Scales can be raised from constipation and dropsy is generally all down the length of the fish as well as abdomen swelling. I do not see that in the pic (a top-view might be helpful)
first thing i would do is get some epsom salt (magnesium sulfate-can find it in a pharmacy or any store they sell over-the-counter people meds..cheap too)
If you plan to use it as a tank treatment use 1 tablespoon/5 gal. If using as a bath mix 1 tablesppon/gal and leave the fish inn the bath for up to 30 mins 2X a day, DO NOT USE AQUARIUM/MARINE SALT...will make the bloating worse.
fast the fish for three days. at the end of 3 days feed a BIT of cooked, deshelled chopped up pea. then fast another 2 days. Do not worry the fish will starve.
Constipation is a very common ailment in bettas (esp. as they age) and not to be taken lightly. They can die from complications.
Epsom hopefully will do the trick! But let us know about his diet/feeding schedual. Can help with future issues.

 

[TropicalJosh]

Hi again everyone, no need now. Was about to change the water in his hospital tank (advice given elsewhere) and when I check him before hand he was dead. But gutting to be honest as it was my first fish. I got two more guppies for my main tank today, and I want to start breeding so thats a new challenge. But just if I should follow advice that I"ve been given and flush him down the toilet, or should I do it another way?

- Josh

 

[loraxchick]

you really should never flush a fish alive or dead down the toilet. It risks contaminating watersheds with illness the fish might be carrying. Instead throw out in the trash or bury in the garden.
Best of luck in the guppy department. Sorry about the betta
cheers