My fish has a swollen stomach. Is it dropsy? What's the cheapest fix?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Physically removing the fungus may cause more stress. Allow the medication to work. Read the package directions carefully and remove the carbon insert from your filter, if necessary, during treatment. Epsom salt can help with fluid retention if that is the cause of the swollen abdomen. Other causes include swim bladder issues, intestinal parasites or constipation. An epsom salt bath would be preferred over treating the entire tank. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of epsom salt in one gallon of tank water. Remove the fish from the main tank and allow it to swim in the salt bath for 15-20 minutes before returning it to the main tank. Do this once daily.

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 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.