Dying Betta

[CaptainBarnicles]

If the betta has dropsy then he's toast...

 

[Silencedogood]

I have successfully treated a couple of guppies that had dropsy with salt baths, but maybe bettas aren't as hardy?

 

[juliejanu]

The swelling from dropsy means kidney failure, it can be caused by many things (most commonly bacterial infections, but could be many other factors). Kidney failure is basically irreversible and that's why many people euthanize the fish when it gets to this point, but I firmly believe that euthanasia should only be performed by professionals.

I have seen people succesfully treat it by going to the vet, finding the cause and then treating that specifically. But I know that's not an option to most (no fish specialists near me, although I am a vet student myself so maybe I'll change that in a couple years lol)

That doesn't mean you should give up though. The salt baths will help reduce his pain and suffering, but probably won't reverse it. Best of luck anyway.

 

[Silencedogood]

The swelling from dropsy means kidney failure, it can be caused by many things (most commonly bacterial infections, but could be many other factors). Kidney failure is basically irreversible and that's why many people euthanize the fish when it gets to this point, but I firmly believe that euthanasia should only be performed by professionals.

I have seen people succesfully treat it by going to the vet, finding the cause and then treating that specifically. But I know that's not an option to most (no fish specialists near me, although I am a vet student myself so maybe I'll change that in a couple years lol)

That doesn't mean you should give up though. The salt baths will help reduce his pain and suffering, but probably won't reverse it. Best of luck anyway.

Reverse it, reverse it!! We need more fish specialists lol. The fish are calling you!

 

[juliejanu]

Reverse it, reverse it!! We need more fish specialists lol. The fish are calling you!

We for sure do! In my country it's almost impossible to find one, only in capitals and big cities. But I hope that will change, I know many fellow vet students who want to specialize in fish and other exotic animals, so I'm hopeful!

 

[Silencedogood]

Betta is eating again!!

 

[Madisonkeug]

Betta is eating again!!

Yay glad to hear!

 

[Tacocat]

Betta is eating again!!

Amazing! Is it still sitting at the bottom of the tank?

 

[Silencedogood]

Amazing! Is it still sitting at the bottom of the tank?

Yes, actually I have him in a breeder box so that it's easier for him to come to the surface. But he seemed a little more lively today coming to the top when I came. The pineconing hasn't gone down yet, but it's not extreme so I'll continue with the Epsom salt baths today.

 

[carligraceee]

I have never seen my betta flare at the other fish or bully anyone neither have my fish bullied him. Every since I added him to my tank, I have closely monitored his behavior, especially as he got bigger. He can even be more gentle than my swordtails. Not sure if that is from genetics or being raised in a community tank.

I moved from Long Island to NH four months ago and the fish moved with me. I think the different water bothered him a little bit and I'm still working to get it to where the fish are used to. That may have contributed to the ick which contributed to the dropsy.

I kept the betta in my hospital tank overnight with the salt and an anti-fungal. He's still alive, and swimming a little more. Should I do a water change or would that stress him out too much at this point?

Thank you

I wouldn't change the water unless you have medicated it and want to remedicate the water.

I am so glad he is doing better!

 

[Silencedogood]

His mouth fugus isn't doing that well so I started a Kanaplex treatment today. Hopefully that helps.

 

[Silencedogood]

Betta died last night. The mouth fungus had spread to his gills and he was having a lot of trouble breathing, even though the pineconing went down. It probably was too much stress on him. Thank you all for your help and advice!

 

[Silencedogood]

I'm looking at getting a new betta; does anyone have any recommendations? I was thinking maybe a halfmoon or dumbo ear...

 

[NannaLou]

I'm looking at getting a new betta; does anyone have any recommendations? I was thinking maybe a halfmoon or dumbo ear...

A tank all on his own..?

 

[Silencedogood]

A tank all on his own..?

No, he would go in my community tank.