Dropsy


What is Dropsy?

It is an internal bacterial infection.

Dropsy in fish is characterised by a swelling of the abdomen. It often causes the fish scales to stick out and gives the fish a "pine-cone" like appearance.

They also appear lifeless and have a loss of appetite.

What causes Dropsy?

There are several causes of Dropsy but usually it is caused by poor water quality. It is frequently caused by a bacterial infection and it is not usually treatable.

Can also be caused by kidney damage. Kidney damage may be caused by overuse of drugs or a disease. Eventually the swelling will cause the scales to raise, giving the fish what is called the "pine-cone" appearance.

How to treat Dropsy:

Make sure to isolate your fish when you are sure of the diagnosis. It's possibly the hardest internal bacterial infection to cure.

There are a number of medications available which can be prescribed by your vet with the appropriate doses such as penicillin, tetracycline and nalidixic acid.

Salt baths can help to draw the fluid out of the fish.

Medications for external bacterial problems only will not be effective for this problem.

By the time the scales begin to raise, however, it is very fatal to the fish. When this happens, it is best to euthanize it humanely.