Why Is My Platy A Fatty?

[fm1978]

It's really not possible to pass dropsy on, so there's very little risk. Except if the dropsy has been caused by a parasitic infestation that can be passed on...
 
I wouldn't worry about that at the moment, though.
 
Good luck with him and sorry it's come to that...

 

[Liv15]

I said give the fish peas just in case it was constipation. But now there are pics I can see its dropsy. Also it is possible for a fish with dropsy to explode (read it in a book) but I'm not sure how rare it is, I'm guessing pretty rare.

 

[Bigman]

Thanks Liv15.... I didn't know about peas being good for constipation, but I do now...... I've been watching him all day today, and cant say that I've seen him have a poo..... but his scales are up aren't they......
 

 

[BriansAquarium]

I use baking soda, they die in less than 15 seconds, just make sure you stir it up in water real good first let it settle for a minute and put the fish in. Had to do this with some tetras with neon tetra disease, they all died almost instantly.

 

[daizeUK]

I've never heard of baking soda used for euthanasia before.  I was interested so I looked into it a bit.
 
I'm not sure if baking soda causes death by increasing levels of carbon dioxide or by increasing salt concentration (sodium) but either way it doesn't sound like the most humane method.
 
I found this paper on humane methods of euthanasia  http/www.ecd-ge.ugent.be/ECD-huisstijl/LabAnimalPart2.pdf and it specifically mentions freezing (which I know a lot of people do) and carbon dioxide as not acceptable.
 

 
Hypothermia Putting fish into a freezer or crushed ice prolongs the period of consciousness in fish and does not reduce the ability to feel pain; therefore it should not be used as a method of euthanasia.

 

Carbon dioxide This is not acceptable for euthanasia of fish as it causes intense activity prior to loss of consciousness and is slow acting.

 

[fm1978]

I agree with you daizeUK.. I looked it up after I read it - the reaction between Sodium Bicarbonate and water to produce a slightly alkaline solution with CO2 & Sodium Hydroxide.

It's the Sodium Hydroxide part I don't like the sound of...remember the scene from Fightclub where Tyler pours Lye on his alter ego's hand and it burns quite badly...that's Sodium Hydroxide and I don't think it's humane even if it is quick...

 

[Bigman]

Well the deed is done! 
 
Took a small 'Tupperware' container with lid, added some tank water, 1/2 teaspoon of Clove oil, shook well to emulsify the oil and put him in

4 gulps and he was still. Left him in there for 15 minutes..... and he was well gone. Seemed a very good way of doing it but.....
 
I happened to rub my eye after washing up the container and it stings like 'ell.... and I stink of 'winter mixtures' now who remembers those? Anyway, if my eyes sting, did I put him through any pain I wonder as they don't have eye lids like us?
 
Still, he is no more

but I've learnt a lot today.....
 
Thanks to the forum
 
Best Regards
Tony