[Suzie Q]

One of my female Betta's developed Dropsy (did not recognize it...first time to encounter it). I added a heater due to the sudden drop in temp over the last couple of weeks (North Texas can't make up its mind if it wants to be below freezing, or above LOL). Anyway, the heater keeps the temp in the high 70's (78* F), and that is almost the natural spawning temp in Betta's. I was keeping it around 74* F for winter. I thought she was developing eggs due to the new temp...yesterday, I did a water change, and put her and the other female that I house in my 6 g, into holding cups. I noticed she had the "pine cone" look to her. I started doing research for possible treatments for this (know it is a symptom and not disease). I ran across several that said Epsom Salt, works great, and treatment doses.

My question is: Has anyone had a fish live through Dropsy? If so, what did you do? She has only had this condition for about a week (if that long), she is very active (dominant female in tank), eats great (which I am sure this is the problem). I have taken her out of the 6g and put her into a "holding" tank, added Pimafix, and one "drop" of Tetracycline (she has not eaten it though). She is in salt less (aquarium) water, with about 1/4 tsp Epsom Salt. Any suggestions?

 

[eklikewhoa]

most of the time when it gets that bad the fish usually dies.

you could try clout if you want to save her.

 

[Suzie Q]

Just updating:

The female betta is still alive, though still not doing well. I am not willing to just give up. I am trying Epsom Salt/Kamancin treatment that a few others have had success with. I'll repost soon if she does not make it, or in a few months if the treatment is successful.

 

[aquanut415]

sucks to hear your fish is sick, dropsy is gross.

ive lost a number of fish to dropsy this year all from the same tank, and have no idea what causes it.

ive read that there is no definite cure, and sometimes after the fish makes what looks like a full recovery, it then relapses and can infect other fish.

when i get fish with dropsy, i euthanize them the same day (not nice, but im not a ichthyologist either). the funny thing is that they usually show the first signs of illness by swimming near the surface of the water lazily late in the evening. the next morning, the fish have all the tell tale signs.

love to hear some suggestions from others on what to do...

 

[fish_lover0591]

my friend tried the epsom salt treatment but still lost her betta i think maracyn1 + maracyn 2 might take care of it but i'm not sure.

 

[epicfish]

I had a bunch of female guppies get dropsy. They all died! Grr. Still don't know what caused it, to this day. Weird.

 

[Suzie Q]

Update:

Just had to update...my female is back to her hyperactive self and eating well again. She is still very swollen, but not as (got a second opinion from husband). She actually LOOKED for more than her 2 pellets this morning. She has not done that is 2 weeks. I hope she is on the down hill of this condition and survives!

Thanks for listening!
Lori aka Suzie Q

 

[Suzie Q]

Last update:

This is the very last update on my female betta "Blondie". She took a turn for the worst on Friday, and passed on Sunday. I feel it was all my fault. She actually started getting better, but due to a tragic event in our family, I went 3 days without changing her water and continuing her treatment. The tragic event, was my husband's cousin loosing his wife Wednsday night to unknown causes.

I do feel that the treatment was working, but now I will not know for sure.

Thanks for listening!