Constpation... Or Dropsy?

[Twinkletoes69]

I've had my male betta for just over a year now, and he's recently become bloated. Dropsy being the disease I fear seeing most, I immediately started freaking out. I took pictures of him (I had to put him in a cup, he spent most of his time hiding at the bottom), and from the top, his scales look raised.
But... It only looks like his middle is swelled, not the entire body. And I heard somewhere that some constipated bettas get raised scales (don't know if this is true or not...?).
I'm really hoping its constipation because I don't want to lose him. The two of us have been through a lot this past year...

 

[Twinkletoes69]

Here are the pictures...

 

[HalfMoon B]

The pics are really dark, but I think I could only see raised scales at his back.
Looks like constipation...
Feed him a blanched pea, and fast for a few days and see if that helps.

 

[Twinkletoes69]

Ok thank you...

 

[HalfMoon B]

No problem. Keep an eye on him. Pristine water condition should help too.
Keep us up to date!

 

[Twinkletoes69]

More pictures, I hope they help...

 

[HUKIT]

I would fast the fish for 2-3 days and add some Epsom salts immediately to help reduce the pressure in the amount of 1tbs per 5g slowly added over a few hours. I would also skip the peas at this time due to the severity and that could just cause further irritation, but I would recommend that free the fasting and Epsom salts.

 

[Twinkletoes69]

Ok, I have no Epsom salt, so I'll have to pick some up tomorrow... I'll try a salt bath and leave him in there for 15-20 mins before taking him out.

 

[Twinkletoes69]

Ok, went to put him in the Epsom salt bath... And found him dead.
So I guess I won't be needing help treating him... Thank you guys for your advice...

 

[Fishkeeper26]

If you ever have to use salt, do to only do a salt bath for 20-30 minutes, or do you keep them in for longer?

 

[Twinkletoes69]

I just heard to keep your fish in for 15-20 minutes in a solution of 1tsp per gallon Epsom salt. I don't know about longer.

 

[Fishkeeper26]

I just heard to keep your fish in for 15-20 minutes in a solution of 1tsp per gallon Epsom salt. I don't know about longer.

Thanks for the help!


Sorry about your loss

 

[Twinkletoes69]

You're welcome! And thanks... Sterilizing my tank right now in case he had any other infections I didn't know about... Probably going to get a half-moon betta next, I've always loved those...

 

[Bettacrazy]

Oh. Sorry that he passed away