Should I euthanize my betta?

[veggiegrl]

I have a betta that has been extremely bloated for about 3 months now. His stomach has just kept growing and growing over the months, and it is now grossly engorged to a point where he can barely move. I can't imagine that it could stretch any farther. The poor fish has just been lingering on like this day after day. He still eats, but doesn't do much else. I've tried several different medications recommended by people on betta forums and nothing has worked. I can't decide if I should put him to sleep. I really don't want to, but I've tried so many things and I hate to see the poor thing linger on like that. He has always been very spunky and a fighter, I feel like he just won't give up. No one seems to know what is wrong with him, and I don't know what else to do. Any thoughts or advice would be helpful.

Thank you

 

[Allivymar]

Welcome to Aquariumadvice veggiegirl.

Have you tried epsom salts? You may want to try that before making the decision to euthanise (especially since the betta is still eating).

The dosage is 1/8 of a teaspoon of epsom salts per 5 gallons. Note its epsom salts and not regular or aquarium salt. Epsom salts contain magnesium and will extract the fluids out of the tissues so the fish can excrete it.

Your betta seems to have dropsy, although it might actually be a tumor. If its dropsy, and the internal damage isn't too bad, the epsom salts should help. I'd try it for 5 days; if there is no change then yes, I think it would be time to let him go as he likely has very little quality of life.

 

[veggiegrl]

I watched him for awhile this morning and he looked like he was really suffering, so I went ahead and did it. His skin was so stretched. It broke my heart and I am very sad and feeling very guilty. Frankie was my first beta, and because of him I have two other beautiful betas. I will never forget him. After he was gone I saw just how stretched his stomach was, and its somewhat of a relief to me to know that he is out of pain. I don't know how he lived like that for so long. I used clove oil and he was gone within seconds. Thank you for taking the time to give me advice though.

Stephanie

 

[Allivymar]

Aw I'm sorry veggiegrl; that sucks.

Good on you tho for not letting him suffer, as well as choosing a truly humane way of letting him go.

 

[PlatyLady]

So sorry about Frankie, Stephanie. That's rough, and it's such a tough decision to euthanize. You did what was best for him though.

 

[veggiegrl]

Thanks for the support. It was a hard decision, even if it was the right one. I still feel guilty for it, and very sad, but at least he is out of pain.