Expert: Lynda - 7/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Linda:
I have a pet fish,FANNIE,that appears to have DROPSY.
I have started a treatment of MARACYN-TWO on it,for now
1 weeks time.  It is hard to tell if there are signs of
improvement,but,it does appears to be better. Last week,
it was extremely bloated,and this week it is just very
bloated. The difference is quite subtle and minimal.
I will be doing a 25% water change today and changing
the ammonia filter.  How much longer should I continue this treatment? And is there anything else I can be doing to help
it along?  I have a nice large outside pond to transfer it
into once it is well once again.  Please share any help
that you can offer.  Thank You.

ANSWER: Hi Jim,
Dropsy is very hard to cure, and is very often fatal.  It can begin with constipation which leads to Swim Bladder Disease, then dropsy.  It can also be a bacterial infection.  Experts do not seem to agree on the cause.  Prevention is always better.  Feeding your fish frozen cooked peas with the outer layer removed once a week, will prevent Swim Bladder Disease, and clean water is a must.  However, some fish do get well, and others don't.  Once the scales have begun to raise, it is very difficult to cure them.  I would treat with Penicillin, or Tetracycline.  Do not add aquarium salt to the water.
Increase aeration, and add 1/4 teaspoon of Epsom Salts to his water.
I hope this will help, and that she will pull through.
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lynda:
Thank You for your prompt reply.
Where would I obtain Penicillin or Tetracycline
for a fish?  Pet store? or a vet?
Thanks for your help.
Jim

ANSWER: Hi Jim,
This depends where you live.  Call your pet store to see if they have the products, if not, you will have to buy them from a vet.  
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lynda:
I have begun adding EPSOM SALTS to the tank for FANNIE.
1/4 tspn to the tank. How often do you think I should
add these salts?  and for how long?  Thanks for your help/
Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,
Do not keep adding these salts.  Watch to see if she wastes.  To be very honest with you, this would be my last resort.   I would prefer you find the medication.   There are other medications at your pet store which could help, since you cannot find Tetracycline or Penicillin.   Ask your pet store manager.  
 You will have to wait, to see if she wastes, and if she doesn't then give her Epsom salt bath.  Put her in another tank or bowl with one tablespoon of Epsom salts for about 10 to 15 minutes, then put her back into her tank.  Do this twice a day for three days.  Remove her at any sign of stress.  Epsom salt baths stress fish, and sometimes does more harm than good, which is why this would be my last resort.  Try to find medication.  
I'm hoping she will get better, poor little fish, and know that you do too.  I wish you luck.
Lynda