Should I Euthanise

[Crab Paste]

One of my Tiger Barbs has, over the last three days gotten gradually worse. It's suffering from Dropsy. You can't see the scales properly in the photo but it doesn't look good.

This is the first time this has happened in one of my aquariums to such an extent that I'm considering the extreme options. The eye is extremely swollen as you can see in the photo. Bearing in mind that from the angle the photo was taken, you'd barely be able to see the eye under normal healthy circumstances.

What are peoples thoughts on this, should I euthanise or attempt to treat.

 

[WILDER]

Once the scales stick out with dropsy no cure as it organ failure, sorry.

 

[Crab Paste]

Sadly, but maybe mercifully, a few hours after the photo was taken and I posted here, the fish died.

I still don't like having the euthanise a fish which fortunately I haven't had to do for a long long time and was spared it this time.

 

[Bloo]

I don't like to euthanise either, but unless the fish is a quarantine tank - you stand the risk of huge bacterial infection amongst other fish (even though dropsy itself isn't "really" contagious). I haven't had many cases of dropsy, but to be honest, if I do come across it these days, I euthanise immediately on the first signs. To cure the fish is extremely rare - and even if you succeed, end up with a fish severely damaged internally

 

[WILDER]

Sorry R.I.P.

 

[james1971]

I had to euthanise a guppy of mine today that had dropsy. It's the first time I have had to do it and it was not a pleasant thing to do at all.

For a few days I was unsure if it was dropsy as it was pregnant at the same time. It was only when it started to pinecone I realised at knew I had to do something about it.

On the upside, it did manage to give birth to one lonely fry before getting too poorly. He seems to be perfectly healthy at the moment. He is 5-6 days old and thriving in my nursery tank along with 3 silver molly fry that are 2 days old.

Does anyone know the main cause of dropsy so I can do what I can to avoid a repeat...

James1971