How much minocycline for my African Dwarf Frog with dropsy?

Maintain pristine water quality in the main tank and monitor the fish for similar symptoms. A bit of aquarium salt ( not table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for no more than two weeks then perform partial water changes to decrease salinity. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. I am sorry for the loss of your frog. Your remaining ADF sounds quite ill by your description. Again, maintain pristine water quality in the quarantine tank with a water temp of 78 F. ADFs, and amphibians in general, ate quite sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Elevated ammonia or nitrite levels can kill. Other possibilities for the bloating include improper diet, obstruction or kidney failure. You can try a fast for a couple days along with salt baths. This may relieve the bloating. If it is dropsy, unfortunately by the time a frog is bloated, the survival rate is very low.

Check the water chemistry and quality. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and improve water quality. use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Fast Froggy for 2-3 days then offer bits of cooked and shelled green peas. If the issue s constipation, this should help. Maintain water temp at the upper limit to aid in digestion.For ADFs, this is about 78 F. An Epsom salt bath may also decrease the bloating. Do NOT use table salt or aquarium salt. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of conditioned water and allow for a 30 minute swim once daily. If the bloating is due to bacterial infection, Maracyn 2 can be found in the Aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and consider moving the frog to a hospital tank during treatment.

Tetracycline is commonly used in this species, however it is poorly absorbed if mixed into the water. The best way to treat with tetracycline is to give it orally. Ideally, the frog should be physically examined by a veterinarian experienced in treating amphibians. A dose can be given after the exam. Aid in treatment and recovery by maintaining pristine water quality and environmental conditions. Since tetracycline can cause light sensitivity, you may need to limit lighting (UVB and natural) for a couple weeks during and after treatment.

Thanks for reaching out about Darwin and including photos. Unfortunately, medications added to the water rarely get absorbed systemically. This is likely a swim bladder infection, and systemic medications needed. A veterinary visit can assist with diagnostics and/or treatments. Injections of antibiotics are recommended. If dropsy is present, an aquatic veterinarian should be able to aspirate the fluid off, giving some temporary assistance while medications take effect. Check and correct water parameters and diet. Good luck.

Dropsy is not easily cured. It is often recommend that all affected fish be euthanized to prevent the spread of the infection to healthy fish, however, if detected early it is possible to save affected fish. The length of time to full recovery varies based on how severely affected the fish is. If given the proper treatment/support I would say the average is about 14 days. Hope this answers your question. Best wishes.

Unfortunately, if it is dropsy by the time a fish is "pineconing", chances of recovery are quite slim. You can try a course of a broad spectrum antibiotic. Look for one with activity against gram negative bacteria. You can find them in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Maracyn Two is an example of an appropriate antibiotic. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes as well. Epsom salt can be added to the tank as well to help draw out excess fluid. Dissolve about 1/4 teaspoon per 10 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank.

Unfortunately, by the time you see "pineconing ", the chances of recovery are very very small. Broad spectrum antibiotic products, such as Kanaplex or Maracyn II, may treat infection. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas do best in water between 78 F and 80 F. You can dissolve 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and allow a 10-15 minute swim before returning him to the regular tank. This may help with fluid buildup. Do this once or twice daily. Even with aggressive treatment, the mortality rate is very high.