Dropsy - Urgent Help Needed!

[sandee]

Hi Everyone
I have had my betta, King Arthur, for around 2years. 2nights ago he became swollen with pinecone scales. He has not been eating since then and hardly moves around anymore. His colour has faded from a deep red to a whitish grey around the swollen area. I read on the net that dropsy is fatal I work at a pet shop and have for the last 2days been trying an antibiotic called something cyclene i cant exactly remeber what it is called. Is there anything else I can do. I dont want him to die Ive had him for so long! Is it juat because he is old? Please Help me fix him

 

[tetraqueen]

I am sorry to hear that.

I cannot help as I really would be in your position not knowing.

What helps those that do would be if one could take a picture and post and also water quality stats etc.

i.e. ph of the water etc.

How often is his water changed ? Do you use a differet dechlorinnator ? Is his tank filtered?

 

[sandee]

He is just in a bowl probably about 5 - 10 Litres and I have no pH testing stuff at home the water at the moment however looks pretty green due to the antibiotics. I did do a 50% change thismorning though. Since I started the antibiotics it looks as though his fins have gone down a little but he still looks so unwell I feel so terrible that I cant do anything

 

[tetraqueen]

It may not be necessary as it is definately for tropicals and you are correct meds definately would change things.

I do wish him better.

I would say try but it could be wrong, could you perhaps ask where you got him from?

It maybe someone will answer that knows soon, as some come on at diffferent times, depending where they live.

 

[liz2]

You are trying your best, and if he was a shop bought Betta you have done well keeping him for 2 years. Pineconing is horrid, just use meds and keep your water clean, but I have never had one recover. Sorry. Keep us posted, fingers crossed.

 

[zoekin8yg]

sorry to say there is little you can do, the meds may help a little but its unlikely that you can cure him. Dropsy isnt a disease itself its just a symptom and usually once its happened its too late to make much difference. Just keep him warm and clean

 

[tetraqueen]

Do our best try all the ususal hospice conditions,give him the best you can, no-one can fault that. He's had two good years.

 

[sandee]

Thanks for your replys. I ve just cleaned his bowl again and re-medicated him he still looks like a pinecone and swollen. I hate to see him like this. I did ask the shop where I got him what I should do and he said to probably put him in the freezer but after reading the fish euthanasia topic posted yesterday I now know not to do that. However if it came to it I doubt that I could kill him at all. He hasnt eaten in days dispite my efforts but still moves occasionally to breathe. I wish there was something I could do.

 

[Samphire]

Awww poor little man, must be so horrible for you. You are doing your best and if he is on his way out you are making him comfyAwww poor little man, must be so horrible for you. You are doing your best and if he is on his way out you are making him comfy

 

[liz2]

When mine are really ill like your sounds I usually put a tea towel or something over the tank, it upsets me looking at them, and I think they need the quiet.

 

[betta1]

I looked at a manual I have and it said to apply a teaspoon of salt per gallon of water, and to also apply Aquarium Tetracycline. It just says if caught early enough it may help, no guarantee. Sorry, and good luck

 

[llamalord305]

Oh, im sorry. I hate to be the bearer f bad news, but the prognosis is not good. He has lived a very long and happy life, but im afraid there isnt much you can do but keep him comfortable and say your farewells. I would keep him off meds or remedies, I think its just more stress (For a lost cause). Again, I am deeply sorrowed. He doesnt have much more to go, so be prepared.....

 

[tetraqueen]

Do keep us posted and feel you can share. Most of us know how hard it is to accept that sometimes we can do no more.

 

[sandee]

I think I am going to have to face the fact that he is probably not going to pull through I think tomorrow I will give him one last water change, add no antibiotics and keep him as comfortable as I can until nature takes its course, I can only hope it will not be too painful for him

 

[sandee]

Unfortunatley King Arthur just passed. He was swimming around frantically as if to be in alot of pain...and then just stopped. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to watch. At least now I know he does not feel the pain anymore. I only wish i could have made hom more comfortable before his final moment. Rest In Peace King Arthur