My Ranchu goldfish's belly is bulging on one side. What's wrong?

Thanks for reaching out about Coco and including pictures. Swellings on one side of the body are often an indication of an internal mass. That could be a intestinal blockage, displaced swim bladder or an enlarged organ. Check water quality and correct any concerns. A veterinarian should be contacted for possible treatments, but also contacting the person/business you purchased her from would also be a good idea. This isn't much you can do for these problems at home. Good luck.

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 your glowfish. Being gravid can produce distensions on both sides but so can coelomic fluid, an organ enlargement (liver, kidney), constipation and other problems. If having difficulty swimming, eating or isolating self, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Not necessarily unfortunately. Abdominal infections, skin oedema, overinflated swimbladder can be common differentials. A check up is required to understand underlying condition and treat appropriately (if treatment is needed). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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 Jeff and including photos. A swollen abdomen can be the accumulation of fluid, possibly due to diseases of the gills, heart, liver, lungs or something internal producing fluid. Sinking to the bottom, probably due to the fluid on the abdomen preventing the swim bladder from filling, therefore affecting buoyancy. First, test and correct water quality, as even small problems can lead to gill damage and the influx of water into the body, therefore the fluid. Adding non-iodized salt can decrease the water gradient into the body, relieving some symptoms but is not a cure. Salt from the pet store should have a dose. A veterinary visit is needed to assess if you want a more definitive answer. Good answer.

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.