Fishfur
Aquarium Advice Addict
Fwiw, dropsy isn't usually very contagious. Often only one fish in a tankful will have it. Cause is not really known for sure, but poor water conditions are suspected. All aquariums have millions of bacteria in them, some of which fit into a category called 'opportunistic'. All that means is that if they find an opportunity, they'll exploit it. So if a fish has a depressed immune system, for any reason, or even some injury, some of these types of bacteria may infect it and if the result is dropsy, there's no known cure.
A very few fish have recovered from it, but not enough to be sure why they did and others didn't. Usual treatments, like temperature, salt or even antibiotics don't usually work, which is why, when I see a post about dropsy, I usually mention euthanasia.
I'm sorry about Bubbles, but better he's gone now than hanging on 'til his eyes popped out, which I have seen happen. Buy another fish and give it a good home in his honour.
A very few fish have recovered from it, but not enough to be sure why they did and others didn't. Usual treatments, like temperature, salt or even antibiotics don't usually work, which is why, when I see a post about dropsy, I usually mention euthanasia.
I'm sorry about Bubbles, but better he's gone now than hanging on 'til his eyes popped out, which I have seen happen. Buy another fish and give it a good home in his honour.