Sick betta

[CatLover]

When I bought this betta, he had a tiny bit of a tail left. Maybe a quarter of an inch at most. I thought I could treat him and help his tail grow out again (he is supposed to be a veil). He has just gotten worse over the past few days. He lost what tiny bit of tail he had, and the scales on the base of his tail have lost their pearly white color, and are now a dull, painful looking pink. Also, for the past few days, he has been struggling to keep his body level. His head points down nearly all the time.

What's wrong with him, and how could I treat him?

Here is a pic to show how terrible his tail has gotten:

I should also add that all parameters are ok, and so far I have been treating with Stress Coat. Also, I haven't seen him eat at all. I've had him for about a week. He nibbled a pellet the first day I got him, but he hasn't touched anything since. I have offered pellets and blood worms but he turns his nose up at both.

 

[Joby]

ouch! that looks really bad

Looks like a bad case of fin rot to me and I have heard that if it reaches the body then it can be fatal. I had a shubunkin like it once and the pet shop said it was too far gone and euthanised it.

Do you have any meds for fin rot? Keep his water extra clean and put some aquarium salt in there too.

Poor little guy, hope he pulls through for you

 

[BettaMomma]

Awww... poor little guy

Are you treating him with anything at the moment?
What size is his tank and what temp is it at?

anything else living in there w/him?

One bit of hope for you - although my lucky had his tail completely ripped off rather than finrot, it's growing back. Here's how it was when I first got him:

and here he was a few days ago:

so there's always hope.

I'm not sure what's going on with your little guy, though, but it's never too late to at least attempt to make him better.

 

[CatLover]

Thanks for the fast replies.

I am currently treating with Stress Coat, and just did a water change about 5 minutes ago.

He is in a 1G tank. He doesn't have a heater, but the water should be at a good temp. I keep lights on them, and my room always stays toasty. There's nothing else in the tank. He lives alone.

I will try adding a bit of salt.

 

[BettaMomma]

I would suggest that you try medicating him for finrot right away.
You're doing everything right to this point, but with as far gone as his tail is, you'll probably want to bring on the big guns medication in order to try to heal him up.

First off, i'd say try to do daily water changes or every other day, if you can - the ultra clean water will definitely help. But.. I think in order to try to reverse the damage that was already done before you got him, you'll need to also medicate.

I don't recall if you said where you live, but I think you need to get some Tetracycline Tablets made by Mardel. Do you have a PetCo or PetSmart, anything along those lines - even a lfs should have them.
The issue you will run into is that the tablets they give you are for a 10G tank, so you'll have to figure out how to scale it down to the amount you need. I can help you figure all that out if you'd be able to get tetracycline.

I would say that's about your best option for saving this little guy.
Let me know if you'd be able to get that - and if you do run out to get that, you should make sure you pick up an eyedropper - like for medicine and that sort of thing...

Let me know!

 

[CatLover]

Thank you, BettaMomma!

After putting the salt in, he has perked up a lot. He is no longer swimming with his head down, and his stump of a tail doesn't look as bad.

I went out today in search of fin rot meds, and I can't find anything. The closest I have come is Stress Coat, but I already have that.

I live in eastern Ky, and the only stores we have here are Walmart, Petland, and a tiny family owned store. The Petland doesn't have anything because they are going out of business. I have never heard of Tetracycline tablets, but I will try my best to find some.
Right now, I'm going to do a water change every day, and keep adding Stress Coat and salt until I can find the other meds I need.

 

[eudielynn]

If you can stomach going into Walmart, they do have several meds for finrot.

 

[BettaMomma]

What's the name of the city you live in in Kentucky?

I can find just about anything anywhere (lol) so I can find some for you.

 

[CatLover]

I live in Flatwoods, Ky. It's a microscopic town in the tristate area of Ky, Oh, and WV.

I might make a run to Walmart here in a few minutes to see what they have.

Oh, and the betta is still perky like he was earlier. Having difficulty swimming without a rear rudder, but he is good.

 

[BettaMomma]

Try this place tomorrow:
It's in Flatwoods:

Seaquariums Store
It's a saltwater fish store, but they have got to have fish meds.
When you call, make SURE you specify that you need tetracycline tablets for a FRESH water fish.
If they don't have it (which they probably won't), ask if they can order them for you, maybe.

WalMart doesn't carry much of what would make a dent in your boy's rot there.
This store was about the only thing I could find in your area.

what big cities are by you?

 

[CatLover]

I have been to Seaqariums before, and they only carry stuff for saltwater. I have been in there quite a few times, but I don't remember ever seeing any meds. I'm sure I can get them to order me some because I'm good friends with the owners.

The closest big city to me is Huntington, WV, which is about 45 minutes away.

I just found some Melafix that I had stored away and forgotten about. Would this be ok to use too? I have never used it before, and I was wondering if it's supposed to be clear and smell like Hall's cough drops. I was just about to put it in the tank when I caught a whif of it, and the smell sent up a red flag. I don't want to put it in until I know if it's supposed to smell like that.

 

[BettaMomma]

Yeah, it is supposed to smell like that but BEWARE....
You must use it ONLY in 1/5 the dosage on the bottle or you will OD your betta.
I almost lost 2 of my boys that way!!!!

For a 1 G tank, I'd literally only put ONE DROP in there.
Really.

 

[CatLover]

Wow! Good thing I asked first. He was about to get 1/3 of a teaspoon.

I just placed one drop in, so I will wait and see how that goes. So far everything is great.

 

[BettaMomma]

Very good!
I hope you start to see signs of improvement.

If you want to check w/that saltwater store tomorrow and see if they can get you some meds. If not, I can pick some up and send them to you!



One other thing - before you add any more melafix, do a 100% water change.
It stays in the water.

 

[CatLover]

Thank you, BettaMomma You're the best.

I will definitely check with Seaquariums today, and if they don't have it/can't get it, I'll let you know!

My little betta has survived the night, and is still looking as good as he did yesterday.