Ugh, Dropsy. :( (any Ideas?)

[flautist]

My roommate's betta has dropsy. He is in a two gallon critter keeper, water stats all normal. So far, we have changed his water and are treating him with salt, maracyn, maracyn 2, and Colloidal Silver. I am working on warming up his water. Is there anything else we can do for the little guy?

 

[tttnjfttt]

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do with dropsy. You are treating with the right medicines, however, salt can actually make things worse here, as it causes more water to be absorbed. You can try some epsom salt, which can help. http/www.healthybetta.com/articles/Illne...sis/dropsy.html

Dropsy is very hard to cure, since it is symptom of internal bleeding and other internal damage. I would recomend that you have some clove oil on hand incase he takes a turn for the worse and you need to euthanize him. The worst thing I found was having to watch a fish slowly die.

Good luck!

 

[flautist]

Ugh, I always get the uses of aquarium salt and epsom salt mixed up. I did not add a lot of aquarium salt, so do I need to do another water change, or will he be alright if I just add some epsom salt to what he already has? I just don't want to do another water change if I don't have to, because it stresses him out.

The little guy may have a chance. He was so lethargic last night that I did not expect him to make it through the night. He did, though, and while he doesn't LOOK any better, he is moving around a bit more.

 

[tttnjfttt]

You do need to do another water change before adding the epsom salt.

best of luck, dropsy is very very hard to cure.