One of my swordtail girls has dropsy

[Aussie_Bristle]

I have just found one of my beautiful swordtail girl all pale and for scales sticking out!!! Looks like dropsy do I have to treat the tank? I’m so devastated

 

[Essjay]

Dropsy is a symptom of an underlying disease, the problem is working out what the underlying infection is. If it's viral, there is no treatment.
You don't normally treat the whole tank with dropsy. You could try an epsom salt bath - a solution of tank water and epsom salt is prepared in a separate container and the fish left in it for half an hour or until the fish becomes distressed. Then the fish is returned to the tank. I think the dose is 1 teaspoon/5 ml spoon per gallon/3.8 litres, someone will correct me if I'm wrong.


However, the swelling that characterises dropsy usually occurs when the fish's kidneys have failed and the condition cannot then be cured whatever the underlying cause. If the epsom salt baths don't work, euthanasing the fish is the only option.

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

Dropsy is a symptom of an underlying disease, the problem is working out what the underlying infection is. If it's viral, there is no treatment.
You don't normally treat the whole tank with dropsy. You could try an epsom salt bath - a solution of tank water and epsom salt is prepared in a separate container and the fish left in it for half an hour or until the fish becomes distressed. Then the fish is returned to the tank. I think the dose is 1 teaspoon/5 ml spoon per gallon/3.8 litres, someone will correct me if I'm wrong.


However, the swelling that characterises dropsy usually occurs when the fish's kidneys have failed and the condition cannot then be cured whatever the underlying cause. If the epsom salt baths don't work, euthanasing the fish is the only option.

Hey Essjay

As devastated as I am, I got my daughter to euthanise her as I didn’t have the heart to do it! I’m so heartbroken

 

[Essjay]

I'm sorry to hear that. This is the most difficult part of fishkeeping.

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

I'm sorry to hear that. This is the most difficult part of fishkeeping.

thanks essjay, I know it was the right thing to do, just sad that’s all cause she was a sweet little thing