Pregnant or Dropsy?

[fishyfonz]

I posted this in the newbies section, and was advised to post it over here, as well:

I got a male and female platy about 6 weeks ago. The female has recently grown large, with the porcupine-like appearance that is characteristic of dropsy. However, I have never seen any pictures of a pregnant platy, so I do not know if the scales point outwards when the platy is pregnant, as well. Other than the appearance of the platy, there is no unusual behavior exhibited by the platy. All of my other fish are fine--both in appearance and behavior.

Thanks!
Dan

 

[Crusty Barnacle]

I am not sure, Don't sound right because I have a female platy thats ready to pop with fry and she looks smooth as when she wasn't pregnant. I sure it can't hurt to treat better safe that sorry unless someone else wants to interject otherwise

 

[fishyfonz]

What's the best method to treat her? I've read some articles, and they have suggested different forms of medication. This platy was big for a while (2 weeks or so), but within the last 3 days her scales have turned outwards.

 

[Crusty Barnacle]

Dropsy
Symptoms: Fish's abdomen is swollen and scales may stick out. Most common in gold fish. Dropsy is not a disease but a disorder caused by internal bacterial infections. It comes in 3 forms:

Acute Dropsy - Internal bacterial infection - see septicemia

Chronic Dropsy (cancer) - Internal organs become swollen. Fish must be isolated in early stage of disease.

Chronic Dropsy (parasites) - Swollen abdomen caused by parasites. Isolating fish prevents condition from infecting entire tank

Treatment : Maracyn-Two® will cure some forms of dropsy. Others require more complicated treatment that is very stressful on fish and not recommended unless under professional supervision. (Remove any activated carbon from filter - it may take medicine out of water)


Septicemia
Symptoms: Redness on body, blood streaks on skin and fins, inflamed blood vessels, hemorrhaging around the eyes, sluggishness and loss of appetite. Septicemia usually occurs along side other diseases, and can result from poor water conditions. There is a high risk of
Dropsy occurring as result of septicemia.

Treatment: Treat with Maracyn-Two medication. Isolate the fish. Then call a pet store or ask your vet for information on treatment. It is essential to treat septicemia immediately, or else it is fatal......

 

[fishyfonz]

Thank you very much!!

I will isolate her and treat her ASAP!

(That is, unless I hear otherwise)

 

[Jamnog]

prolly not much help to tell you that no the scales dont point out on a pregnant fish.

 

[bluefrog]

For goldfish, treat with Nitrofurazone for antibacteria, or Praziquantel for internal parasites.....this is a quite a bind your fish is in. Wish you had some other sign as to what the cause is. Dropsy is treatable if caught early enough and if you know what the cause is.... Good luck.

 

[fishyfonz]

Well, my platy has been quarantined and medicated for 2 full days now. It appears as though her scales are becoming loose now--like they are ready to fall off...
On the plus side, none of the fish from the original tank seem infected. The sick platy still displays a normal amount of activity, and is eating fine. The swelling seems to have decreased, as well. Hopefully she'll become healthy again...
Thanks again for the help, guys!