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.