Is it dropsy?

[we_betta]

Simon was moved from a planted 5 gallon aquarium to a 10 gallon planted aquarium with a Nerite snail. It is fully cycled. All the parameters are correct and safe. There haven't been any diet changes aside from some seed shrimp that showed up on their own (likely came from the plants.) There is driftwood in the tank but I did boil it before adding it. He was happy at first, his colors brightened up, he was active and boy did he munch on those seed shrimp. About two weeks later, I noticed some bloating in his belly. I thought he had over eaten since he had been chewing away at the seed shrimp population among the food I had also been feeding him, so I fasted him for a couple of days and the bloating went down. A month later, A couple of weeks ago, I noticed some scale abrasions. I medicated the water, the abrasions healed. No biggie. Now, his fins are (just slightly) tattered, his scales seem to be sticking out the slightest bit, but my biggest concern is the swelling in his belly. He doesn't look right. This isn't the Simon I put into this tank. My biggest concern here is dropsy, and if it is that, I want to catch it now while he still has a chance. There aren't any major behavioral changes. He still eats and swims about no problem. No constant darting to the surface for air, he isn't lethargic. I've had him since April, and when I got him, he wasn't in the best condition. I raised him back to health, but I know previous health compromises can make them susceptible to infections and what not. I will take any advice I can get, please help me save my fish.

 

[Andy Sager]

There are a number of possibilities before jumping to the conclusion of dropsy.
If the swelling in the belly keeps going up and down every couple of days, it's from overeating. No need to treat. If the swelling does not reduce after 2 days but you see definite signs of defecation, it's not bloating from an intestinal blockage and the possibility of an internal infection exists.
If the bloating does not reduce and there is no sign of defecation, he may be blocked by an intestinal worm brought in from the seed shrimp (Parasites are known to infect things like snails or other mollusks and Crustaceans. ) or blocked due to overeating foods that were either not fully digested or have caused the intestines not to pass it through. If this is the case, doing Epsom Salt Baths would be the appropriate action over medications to try and relax the muscles surrounding the intestines and anus to allow the blockage to move through.
If it's none of the above, an internal infection may be shutting down organs which is causing the swelling from not being able to pass through liquids out of the body. In that case, using an antibiotic may help if the organs are not too compromised. The correct one will depend on your pH. If the pH is 6.8 or under, I'd use Maracyn 2. If the pH is 7.2 or higher, I would use Kanamycin ( Seachem Kanaplex). If the pH is between 6.8 and 7.2, I'd use a combination of Kanamycin and Nitrifuracin. I suggest placing the fish back in the 5 gallon tank with nothing more than an air stone for water circulation and a plastic plant or pvc fitting for him to hide in or rest on as well as a heater. Follow the directions on the medications for water change schedules and treatment duration. Be aware that Kanamycin and Nitrofuracin have different redosing timeframes so you need to redose them separately at the proper times.
Hope this helps.

 

[we_betta]

There are a number of possibilities before jumping to the conclusion of dropsy.
If the swelling in the belly keeps going up and down every couple of days, it's from overeating. No need to treat. If the swelling does not reduce after 2 days but you see definite signs of defecation, it's not bloating from an intestinal blockage and the possibility of an internal infection exists.
If the bloating does not reduce and there is no sign of defecation, he may be blocked by an intestinal worm brought in from the seed shrimp (Parasites are known to infect things like snails or other mollusks and Crustaceans. ) or blocked due to overeating foods that were either not fully digested or have caused the intestines not to pass it through. If this is the case, doing Epsom Salt Baths would be the appropriate action over medications to try and relax the muscles surrounding the intestines and anus to allow the blockage to move through.
If it's none of the above, an internal infection may be shutting down organs which is causing the swelling from not being able to pass through liquids out of the body. In that case, using an antibiotic may help if the organs are not too compromised. The correct one will depend on your pH. If the pH is 6.8 or under, I'd use Maracyn 2. If the pH is 7.2 or higher, I would use Kanamycin ( Seachem Kanaplex). If the pH is between 6.8 and 7.2, I'd use a combination of Kanamycin and Nitrifuracin. I suggest placing the fish back in the 5 gallon tank with nothing more than an air stone for water circulation and a plastic plant or pvc fitting for him to hide in or rest on as well as a heater. Follow the directions on the medications for water change schedules and treatment duration. Be aware that Kanamycin and Nitrofuracin have different redosing timeframes so you need to redose them separately at the proper times.
Hope this helps.

This is why I love Aquarium Advice. Of course when I searched the symptoms, the first thing that popped up was dropsy. But reading this, it seems the intestinal worm might be what’s up. Any advice on the epsom salt bath? What kind of salt to use? Thank you so much for the help. You rock

 

[Andy Sager]

This is why I love Aquarium Advice. Of course when I searched the symptoms, the first thing that popped up was dropsy. But reading this, it seems the intestinal worm might be what’s up. Any advice on the epsom salt bath? What kind of salt to use? Thank you so much for the help. You rock

Thanks, I also roll a little too. LOL
Use Epsom Salt ( not aquarium salt) which is Magnesium sulfate at a rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of actual water. You can get Epsom salt at the grocery store or pharmacy dept of any store ( it's very common for people use) . Use water the same temperature as what the fish is in then place the fish in the bath for 10-15 minutes before replacing back in the hospital tank. These baths can be done 2 times per day so spread them out by 8-10 hours if possible. You want to use that bare bottom hospital tank so that you can see if anything comes out.
As for treating intestinal worms, you want to use levamisole hydrochloride or Praziquatel. Levamisole is found in Fritz Expel-P and possibly some other products as well as in powder form but I believe this is only available via prescription in this form. Praziquantel can be found in a number of products such as API General cure, Fritz Prazicleanse and others. You may need to make adjustments to the dosages ( depending on the product you use) unless you use at least a 10 gallon tank for treatment.
Hope this helps.