Dropsy
Dropsy is a symptom as opposed to an illness in itself. Dropsy is when a fish takes on a pinecone appearance from above and is usually caused by internal bacterial or viral infection, though constipation, malnutrition, fluid retention and poor water quality can all contribute and cause kidney failure. The fish may appear lethargic and be bottom sitting and look generally unwell.
Dropsy is severe. You must act quickly when you see your fish pineconing. It is treatable, but can prove fatal is not treated quickly and effectively.
Dropsy is severe. You must act quickly when you see your fish pineconing. It is treatable, but can prove fatal is not treated quickly and effectively.
Treatment
☆ Test parameters and ensure water quality is good. Whilst dropsy in itself is not contagious, the cause may be. Poor water quality can also cause Dropsy symptoms so ensure your display tank has good water, to protect your other fish.
☆ Quarantine the affected fish and fast them for a few days.
☆ Dose Epsom salt into the quarantine tank at ½ teaspoon per 40litres/10USG. The Epsom should ease the fluid retention causing the pineconing.
☆ Add Kanamycin and Metronidazole, to fight both gram negative and gram positive bacteria. Dropsy is serious. Combatting the cause is vital, as soon as possible.
☆ If there is no improvement in a few days, Epsom can be increased to a dosage of up to 1teaspoon per 20litres/5USG.
☆ If the quarantine tank is not cycled, perform daily 100% water changes and redose the medication. If parameters allow, water changes every other day should be sufficient but dose Prime daily.
☆ This course of treatment should be followed for 12 days with Kanamycin, but you can take it to 21 days with the Metronidazole and 30days Epsom.
☆ Quarantine the affected fish and fast them for a few days.
☆ Dose Epsom salt into the quarantine tank at ½ teaspoon per 40litres/10USG. The Epsom should ease the fluid retention causing the pineconing.
☆ Add Kanamycin and Metronidazole, to fight both gram negative and gram positive bacteria. Dropsy is serious. Combatting the cause is vital, as soon as possible.
☆ If there is no improvement in a few days, Epsom can be increased to a dosage of up to 1teaspoon per 20litres/5USG.
☆ If the quarantine tank is not cycled, perform daily 100% water changes and redose the medication. If parameters allow, water changes every other day should be sufficient but dose Prime daily.
☆ This course of treatment should be followed for 12 days with Kanamycin, but you can take it to 21 days with the Metronidazole and 30days Epsom.