Bloated blackmoor goldfish sinking with lifted scales. Is it dropsy?

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.

Hello, Unfortunately, the condition is most likely a fluid accumulation in the abdomen, often referred to in layman's terms as "dropsy". It is generally a sign of severe disease with a poor prognosis. Here is a video of a veterinarian explaining this in more detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42DAoriYhVI I hope this helps. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Thanks for reaching out about Bubbles and including a photo. Abdominal distention (often termed "dropsy") can be due to accumulated fluid, eggs, enlarged organs or displaced swim bladder. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Store purchased medications are a waste of monies and will not fix anything. A diagnosis needs to be made to effectively treat. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Clara. First, test and correct water quality as this is a common factor in illness. Dropsy is a clinical sign of fluid or a mass in the abdomen. The cause needs to be determined prior to effective treatment. Adding non-iodized salt to the tank could slow down the water gradient into the body but is not a treatment. For a diagnosis, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

If she has a pine cone appearance, this is a classic symptom of dropsy. Dropsy is a symptom of a greater underlying condition be it poor water quality, infection or parasites. The swelling is a result of severe kidney damage. Unfortunately, if it is dropsy, there is a high mortality rate once the swollen pine cone appearance manifests. Epsom salt may relieve the swelling. Dissolve 1/8 teaspoon per FIVE gallons of water into a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. You can use a broad spectrum antibiotic to treat infection. Find one in the aquarium section of the local pet or fish store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated during treatment. You may end up losing your fish but hopefully, these actions will help.

Thanks for reaching out about Bacon. If a swim bladder infection and over-distention (causing the floating), systemic antibiotics are needed. Melafix will do little to solve this problem as the medication is not absorbed into the body. Systemic antibiotics are recommended, as in injections. A veterinary visit would be necessary for the prescribing. Check and correct water quality, as this is required for health. Good luck.

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.