If my fish has dropsy, how long does recovery take if treated?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for providing pictures. Through the pictures, there is a good probability that your fish are gravid and should deliver soon. Hard to tell what species by the pictures (slightly out of focus), but usually with dropsy, the scales rise (pineconing) and the swelling extends more caudally. Dropsy is more a clinical sign and not a disease. Causes include heart, renal, liver or gonadal diseases. There is no one treatment, but depends on the cause. Few are successfully treated, unless a bacterial infection and the proper antibiotics. Hopefully you will have eggs or babies in the next few days.

By your description, it could have been dropsy. Without an image or exam though, this cannot be determined definitively. Dropsy is a symptom of underlying illness, rather than a specific disease. Maintaining a clean tank, stable water chemistry and proper environmental parameters will go a long way in prevent illness. Separate any sick fish will keep disease from potentially spreading in 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.