there is hope?

[Briarmoor]

One of the 2 black phantoms that got dropsy survived. She just ate for the first time this morning. I hope this mean she is turning the corner? She is still gulping some. I am treating the tank with Maracyn-2 and giving her peas. She had not eaten for 4 days. She ate a small amount of tubifex, that is the only thing she wanted. I made sure not to feed much.

The black neons I got at the same LFS started showing dropsy signs and I immediately began treating them too, but still lost one. Hit them fast once it hit. My original fish in my 20g are all fine. Would definitely suspect the LFS although they say they haven't had any problems.

I read that once fish get dropsy they are more prone to getting it again - thoughts?

The other 4 phantoms seem to be doing good. They are less shy and will come out and snag pieces of food with the light on and with me there. No signs of dropsy.

P.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If the fish is eating again thats a very good sign, i've never heard of fish getting more prone to dropsy after having it- i would have thought it would be the oposite as the fish's body will be able to recognise and deal with the infection quicker if its had it before. I had a particular guppy that survived from dropsy and lived for a long time and she only had the dropsy the once in her life, so...

 

[Briarmoor]

How long did it take for your guppy to get over dropsy?

Maracyn-2 label said treat 5 days in general, company rep said they'd go 10 for dropsy.

How long until the gulping stops? How many days of hanging in there until it's safe to say they'll live?

P.

 

[Briarmoor]

I just stopped treating for dropsy as of last night with the Merecyn-2, so about 12 days of treatment. The Phantom still gulps some, so I am guessing she is not over the dropsy? What else is there to do?

She swims in the tank, sometimes up top and sometimes nearer the bottom, doesn't swim weird, just still gulps a little. None of the fish in the 10g are real outgoing, so I don't see as much of them as I do the more established fish in my 20g. They do eat, but are shyer about it. She eats, but not lots.

I don't want to put the Phantom back in the 55g if there is a chance she will infect the other fish in there. But I think she might also do better with her own breed. She is in the 10g still with the remaining black neons. Ideas? Treat with something else? Put her in the 55g and see if she makes it? Could she have any permanent damage from the dropsy the reason she is still gulping some?

Pam in TN

 

[Briarmoor]

The day after I stopped treating for dropsy and did a partial water change, I found the phantom dead. I guess the meds were keeping her hanging on, but obviously something was not right. The 4 Black Neons are fine.

P.