Extremely bloated betta for 10 days

[Diegos mom]

It's dropsy, isn't it? ☹ I look at the first set of photos and the black by his head is 100% smooth. Today, it's raised. I'm so sad. Can I try ANYTHING to save him?
At this point, can I just feed him? Lol. It's his favorite thing in the world!

 

[Naughts]

Sorry.
Yes feed him.

 

[Diegos mom]

OK, Thank you.

 

[Diegos mom]

I grately appreciate everyone's help and patience with me. I hoped it wouldn't turn out like this, but at least we know now. Thanks for being there for me and Diego when we needed you guys!

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

It's dropsy, isn't it? ☹ I look at the first set of photos and the black by his head is 100% smooth. Today, it's raised. I'm so sad. Can I try ANYTHING to save him?
At this point, can I just feed him? Lol. It's his favorite thing in the world!

I'm so sorry, it is looking more like dropsy

As a last ditch effort, you could try a broad spectrum antibiotic, but it rarely works, since the internal organs have already begun to fail. I'm so sorry.

Yes, feed him, don't net him - if you feel you need to move him, use a cup rather than a net - but just try to keep him comfortable as you can.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Bettas are really tough, they're break your heart - I kinda resolved not to get a betta when I made friends with a betta breeder. He was great and loved his fish, gave them the best care possible, but also had a tendency to try to rescue struggling pet store bettas. The heartache I saw him go through with trying to save them was awful.

They seem to be a weaker fish in general - like guppies, the ones I used to keep. They broke my heart a lot too, because no matter what I did, the first trios and pairs of pet store guppies just kept dying. Perfect tank parameters, lots of live plants and doing everything I could to save them... it was only when I came here I learned that pet store guppies are no longer the robust, hardy, easy beginner fish they always had the reputation for being. Now being mass produced in fish farms abroad, often using sea water to save money, so the fish were raised in brackish water and had to adapt to freshwater when shipped here - frequently infested with various diseases and carrying heavy worm burdens... not being bred with health and longevity in mind. I was warned about pet store guppies, that if I got them, to worm them in quarantine, and not to expect too much, no matter how much I tried. That if you could get some fry from them before they died, at least the fry would be hardier.

Stuff I wish I had known before I lost many guppies, feeling like a fish murderer and that I shouldn't be in the hobby!

I suspect there are similar problems with bettas. Bred for looks rather than health, and those huge fins are beautiful, but easy for them to get damaged just by the male flaring -and then fin rot sets in. That betta breeder told me that even having a fish store betta survive for a year is doing well, and no one can say that you didn't do everything you could for him. This isn't your fault, okay?

If you decide to go for a betta again, definitely look for a hobbyist who breeds them at home, and is happy to talk to you about their conditions, the parents etc, share photos. Consider that the shorter fin bettas like plakets tend to have less problems with fin rot, and less issues from carrying those heavy fins around, and consider females too (although I'd suggest not a sorority). Some are just as stunning as the males!

I really, really want you to know that it isn't your fault, and that you went above and beyond. I also really wish there was more we could have done to help you, and your fish. But dropsy is dreaded because by the time you know it's there, it's almost always too late

 

[foxgirl158]

I’m so sorry to read that it’s looking like the dreaded dropsy . Diego is a beautiful boy, I’m sorry that you both have to go through this trauma. Hugs

 

[Diegos mom]

Bettas are really tough, they're break your heart - I kinda resolved not to get a betta when I made friends with a betta breeder. He was great and loved his fish, gave them the best care possible, but also had a tendency to try to rescue struggling pet store bettas. The heartache I saw him go through with trying to save them was awful.

They seem to be a weaker fish in general - like guppies, the ones I used to keep. They broke my heart a lot too, because no matter what I did, the first trios and pairs of pet store guppies just kept dying. Perfect tank parameters, lots of live plants and doing everything I could to save them... it was only when I came here I learned that pet store guppies are no longer the robust, hardy, easy beginner fish they always had the reputation for being. Now being mass produced in fish farms abroad, often using sea water to save money, so the fish were raised in brackish water and had to adapt to freshwater when shipped here - frequently infested with various diseases and carrying heavy worm burdens... not being bred with health and longevity in mind. I was warned about pet store guppies, that if I got them, to worm them in quarantine, and not to expect too much, no matter how much I tried. That if you could get some fry from them before they died, at least the fry would be hardier.

Stuff I wish I had known before I lost many guppies, feeling like a fish murderer and that I shouldn't be in the hobby!

I suspect there are similar problems with bettas. Bred for looks rather than health, and those huge fins are beautiful, but easy for them to get damaged just by the male flaring -and then fin rot sets in. That betta breeder told me that even having a fish store betta survive for a year is doing well, and no one can say that you didn't do everything you could for him. This isn't your fault, okay?

If you decide to go for a betta again, definitely look for a hobbyist who breeds them at home, and is happy to talk to you about their conditions, the parents etc, share photos. Consider that the shorter fin bettas like plakets tend to have less problems with fin rot, and less issues from carrying those heavy fins around, and consider females too (although I'd suggest not a sorority). Some are just as stunning as the males!

I really, really want you to know that it isn't your fault, and that you went above and beyond. I also really wish there was more we could have done to help you, and your fish. But dropsy is dreaded because by the time you know it's there, it's almost always too late

Thank you so very much. I don't know how I missed these recent posts.. I'm so sorry I did! I really, really appreciate it. Honestly, things you said have been many of my thoughts for the future. Shorter finned betta, shop from a good breeder, etc. Boy or girl, I'll always only keep one in a tank. I don't need someone getting crabby one day and causing a ripped fin or something, then fin rot. They come with enough possible problems already. Maybe I'll rethink bettas. I don't know.

I had no idea I could like a fish this much!!!!! I just don't understand why this happened, and so fast! Some stupid greyish balls on his fins is all that has happened to him, and within about a month of them coming and going, he got this bump, and you know where it went from there...

Current status is: I couldn't give up, so I lowered his water as much as I could and have fed him a tiny bit of frozen food each morning soaked in vitamins. I'm also using Marycyn 2. I had to try something.. He was acting so normal until today.. I really thought we were gonna be the ones that beat this and I would come back here to tell everyone.. Day one he swam to get breakfast. Day 2 he tried to, and pretty much did.. Im thinking, 'My boy is strong, we're gonna do this'! But, today he could barely try.. He wanted it though, and I put it close to him and he ate.

I actually came here just now to post and ask a question about euthanasia. I don't know if I can do it though. It's so hard to give up on him, but its so hard to watch him suffer to move/swim. He can't be happy. He must be suffering. But this guy is STILL eating and trying to come to me. I think I'm going to give him a bit more time to see if it goes downhill, or stays the same. I figure I should be prepared.

I've read that clove oil is the best way. However, I also saw some people say clove oil made their fish thrash around and appear to suffer in pain before dying. Any advice here? I don't even know if I can stop trying to save him though. Why can't I give up on this fish? Ugh! I dont want to believe there's not a chance I can save him. But I'm not a jerk, and I know what the right thing to do is.

 

[Diegos mom]

I’m so sorry to read that it’s looking like the dreaded dropsy . Diego is a beautiful boy, I’m sorry that you both have to go through this trauma. Hugs

Thank you so much! Thanks for trying to help us. And trying to find people to help. I appreciate everything so much!

 

[Diegos mom]

Thank you so very much. I don't know how I missed these recent posts.. I'm so sorry I did! I really, really appreciate it. Honestly, things you said have been many of my thoughts for the future. Shorter finned betta, shop from a good breeder, etc. Boy or girl, I'll always only keep one in a tank. I don't need someone getting crabby one day and causing a ripped fin or something, then fin rot. They come with enough possible problems already. Maybe I'll rethink bettas. I don't know.

I had no idea I could like a fish this much!!!!! I just don't understand why this happened, and so fast! Some stupid greyish balls on his fins is all that has happened to him, and within about a month of them coming and going, he got this bump, and you know where it went from there...

Current status is: I couldn't give up, so I lowered his water as much as I could and have fed him a tiny bit of frozen food each morning soaked in vitamins. I'm also using Marycyn 2. I had to try something.. He was acting so normal until today.. I really thought we were gonna be the ones that beat this and I would come back here to tell everyone.. Day one he swam to get breakfast. Day 2 he tried to, and pretty much did.. Im thinking, 'My boy is strong, we're gonna do this'! But, today he could barely try.. He wanted it though, and I put it close to him and he ate.

I actually came here just now to post and ask a question about euthanasia. I don't know if I can do it though. It's so hard to give up on him, but its so hard to watch him suffer to move/swim. He can't be happy. He must be suffering. But this guy is STILL eating and trying to come to me. I think I'm going to give him a bit more time to see if it goes downhill, or stays the same. I figure I should be prepared.

I've read that clove oil is the best way. However, I also saw some people say clove oil made their fish thrash around and appear to suffer in pain before dying. Any advice here? I don't even know if I can stop trying to save him though. Why can't I give up on this fish? Ugh! I dont want to believe there's not a chance I can save him. But I'm not a jerk, and I know what the right thing to do is.

This is him yesterday morning. The picture is dark because I don't have his tank light on, but he IS losing color, of course. Today he's barely blue anymore on his body. Only his tail is blue. His body is just dull.

 

[Myraan]

I've euthanised a neon with a rock to the skull.... I've read that's theoretically the quickest death.... but not certain I could do it to something that's an actual "pet" fish.

 

[Diegos mom]

I've euthanised a neon with a rock to the skull.... I've read that's theoretically the quickest death.... but not certain I could do it to something that's an actual "pet" fish.

I know that option isn't for me. I'm not brave enough. I can barely bring myself to do it at all. If that's the best option I have to make it relatively painless, comfortable, and quick, then the poor guy is going out slowly and naturally...

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I know that option isn't for me. I'm not brave enough. I can barely bring myself to do it at all. If that's the best option I have to make it relatively painless, comfortable, and quick, then the poor guy is going out slowly and naturally...

I'm so sorry about Diego

I have used clove oil to euthanise a few fish (more than I wish I'd had to!), including a goldfish with tumours that had reached the end. None of the ones I euthanised thrashed or seemed distressed - I think the key is both knowing when it's time, and doing it properly.

Clove oil can be used to sedate fish, not just euthanise them. Can link you a video of a fishtuber who used clove oil to sedate his arawana and operate on it's eye and fin, before waking it up again.

Knowing that, the key is to mix the clove oil and water as well as possible, and introduce it to the container the fish is in gradually. Enough to send the fish to sleep first, then overdose the clove oil so the fish passes away while sedated. That's how I did it, and never had thrashing or anything like that.

I imagine the ones that did added too much clove oil before the fish was sedated, so the fish reacted badly when way too much oil was added too fast.

I'll find the videos I learned it from and link them to you. I can't help you decide whether it's time or not I'm afraid... You will know best whether it's time, whether it's the right call. But I can give you the tools so you'll know how to do it if you need to, whether now or in the future.

I'm having to say goodbye to my 15 year old dog on Monday, so my heart is really hurting for you too. I know how painful it is, and it's completely okay to be so attached to a fish. He's your pet.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

If you decide to use clove oil, use a small container to mix the clove oil with hot water (I found a small empty fish food container worked) and a tupperware or old ice cream tub or something to put the fish in, in some of his tank water. You don't want clove oil anywhere near your fish stuff, so use temporary stuff you can bin or store away, not something you're going to keep and reuse for fish things.

The oil also sticks to your hands and is hard to get all the traces off, so worth wearing disposable gloves.

To see how Joey sedates his arawana using clove oil;

Watching these is how I learned to do it. I sincerely hope no one else needs to, but sometimes, ending an animals suffering peacefully is kinder.

 

[Diegos mom]

I'm so sorry about Diego

I have used clove oil to euthanise a few fish (more than I wish I'd had to!), including a goldfish with tumours that had reached the end. None of the ones I euthanised thrashed or seemed distressed - I think the key is both knowing when it's time, and doing it properly.

Clove oil can be used to sedate fish, not just euthanise them. Can link you a video of a fishtuber who used clove oil to sedate his arawana and operate on it's eye and fin, before waking it up again.

Knowing that, the key is to mix the clove oil and water as well as possible, and introduce it to the container the fish is in gradually. Enough to send the fish to sleep first, then overdose the clove oil so the fish passes away while sedated. That's how I did it, and never had thrashing or anything like that.

I imagine the ones that did added too much clove oil before the fish was sedated, so the fish reacted badly when way too much oil was added too fast.

I'll find the videos I learned it from and link them to you. I can't help you decide whether it's time or not I'm afraid... You will know best whether it's time, whether it's the right call. But I can give you the tools so you'll know how to do it if you need to, whether now or in the future.

I'm having to say goodbye to my 15 year old dog on Monday, so my heart is really hurting for you too. I know how painful it is, and it's completely okay to be so attached to a fish. He's your pet.

I was hoping exactly this was an option. Sedate him. Them overdose him while asleep. Thank you so much for the info. I would have been totally winging it without your help. You made me feel much more comfortable throughout all of this. Today I found him at the TOP and about an hour later he was in his favorite floating log, like old times... I'm still not too hopeful, but he's not worse. So, that's just nice that he doesn't seem to be suffering too much.

I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear about your dog. While you're going through making that decision, you're taking the time to worry about me, and giving me detailed answers too. I get the impression you're a pretty phenomenal person, so I'm betting your pup has been given the best 15 years a dog can live. I have been through making that decision with a dog in the last couple years as well, and it was the hardest thing I've done so far in this life. Its heartbreaking. They are family. All we can do is love them the best we can while they are here and respect them at the very end. They say people are born so they can learn how to live a good life, to be nice, learn to love - but dogs already know how to do that, so they don't need to stay as long. If only we were more like dogs... Its not fair that they can't stay forever because it's never long enough.. Virtual hugs to you!!!!! I'm so, so very sorry. ❤