How to Treat Dropsy

Keeping fish in an aquarium is a care-intensive and time-consuming hobby, where maintaining the health of the fish and their environment is of utmost importance. Among the various diseases that affect fish, dropsy is a common but serious condition, primarily characterized by swelling of the fish’s body. If not treated promptly, it can be fatal.

Here’s how to treat dropsy in fish: as an experienced aquarist, I discuss dropsy prevention and treatment to help beginners address this problem, and experienced fish keepers will also find useful information.

What is Dropsy Disease?

Dropsy in fish, also called bloat, is the swelling of the soft tissue in the body cavity of the fish. This swelling is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the fish. Technically known as edema or ascites, dropsy is an underlying health problem that can cause kidney or gill failure.

Dropsy itself is not a bacterial disease, but as a symptom, it can indicate several underlying conditions, including bacterial infections, parasitic infections, or liver dysfunction. Dropsy is especially common in goldfish, but it can affect any freshwater fish in your aquarium, including bettas.

What are the Symptoms of Dropsy in Fish?

From my experience, I can say that due to dropsy, different types of swelling can be seen in different parts of the fish, which causes the kidneys and gills to become ineffective. Some of the symptoms are discussed below:

• Abdominal Swelling: One of the main symptoms of dropsy is the rapid swelling of the abdomen, which distinguishes this condition from pregnancy. Gradually, all the internal organs swell up and stop working.
• Swelling of the Eyes: Dropsy causes fluid pressure behind the eyeballs, resulting in exophthalmia, which causes swelling of the fish’s eyes. Puffy eyes indicate the presence of excess fluid that cannot be eliminated from the body. This problem usually occurs in both eyes.
• Swelling and Redness of the Anus: In the case of dropsy, the fish’s body accumulates a lot of water. If the excess water cannot be removed, it will accumulate in the intestines, causing internal and external swelling and redness of the anus.
• Stretched Scales: Dropsy causes the water in the fish’s body to swell, causing the scales to stretch and point away from the skin, making them appear stretched.
• Pale Gills: Due to excess fluid in the fish’s body, its gills may become distended, causing a pale appearance. Pale gills are not unique to dropsy but are associated with many fish diseases.
• Loss of Appetite: Before dropsy causes visible swelling, it will make your fish lethargic, causing them to lose their appetite and stop eating for a few days before their stomachs begin to swell. Other diseases can also cause loss of appetite such as Ich.
• Breathing Problems: Oxygen that a fish breathes passes through the gills. Dropsy causes the gills to malfunction, making the fish work harder to get oxygen to its tissues. This breathing effort is much faster than normal.

Why Does Dropsy Occur in Fish?

As an aquarium owner, I can say from experience that you should monitor your fish regularly for signs of dropsy. Although it is not contagious, it is important to act quickly to prevent the disease from worsening. Dropsy in fish can be caused by various reasons, which are discussed below:

• Poor Water Quality: If your fish has dropsy, you may suspect a water quality problem. Causes of dropsy in fish usually include high ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite levels, as well as pathogenic bacteria. This bacteria is often found in aquariums with contaminated water.
• Unclean Aquarium: Excessive amounts of organic waste, including fish feces, leftover fish food, dead fish carcasses, and decaying plant parts, create an unclean environment. Fish dropsy can result from these conditions.
• Wrong Feeding: Another cause of bloat in aquarium fish is improper feeding. If your fish does not eat enough fiber, constipation can occur. When food accumulates, the intestines become blocked, causing the belly of the fish to swell.
• Stress in Fish: Although fish do not show their stress, they have Aeromonas bacteria that support their immune system. However, stress can cause the loss of Aeromonas bacteria, leading to many diseases, including dropsy.

How to Treat Dropsy Disease in Fish

I treat the fish as soon as possible after identifying the disease. Since dropsy is a symptom and not a disease, delaying treatment can lead to serious problems for the fish. Below is the treatment method I follow when my fish get dropsy:

With Salt

If the fish has external wounds or injuries that allow water to enter the body cavity, add two teaspoons of aquarium salt per gallon of water. If the fish has no external injuries, perhaps only some redness on the body or fins, I add one teaspoon of salt per gallon.

Salt in moderation will not stress the kidneys but will boost the immune system. Salt helps maintain the osmotic balance of the fish, which helps the fish expel the accumulated water. Dim the lights when adding aquarium salt, as low light will calm your fish.

Water Change and Control

Remove at least 75% of the water every 48 hours, but not more than 50% at one time. Try to keep the pH of the water at 7.4. If the pH is not 7.4, gradually change the water several times to bring the pH back into the correct range.

Keep nitrates below 20 ppm (parts per million), and always keep the water fresh, clean, and aerated. Gradually increase the water temperature from low to 80°F (27-29°C) and maintain this temperature for 2 weeks. This temperature inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics

If my infected fish does not improve after 8-10 days of treatment, I consult a vet and apply antibiotics. I have been using some medications to treat this condition in my aquarium fish, and I have found the medications to be effective. They include ofloxacin and augmentin.

• Ofloxacin: Dissolve 50 mg of ofloxacin in water and add a solution of 1 ofloxacin (2.6 US gal/1) per 10 liters of water. Continue this treatment for 7 days. If there is no improvement after 3 days, start treatment with one of the following two antibiotics.
• Cefixime or Augmentin: Dissolve 50 mg cefixime or augmentin in a little water and add a solution of 1 cefixime or augmentin (3 US gal/1) per 12 liters of water. Do not continue for more than 5 days.

Many medications can be used routinely to treat dropsy, including nitrofurazone and doxycycline. If the problem doesn’t resolve within a week, you can try different medications like amoxicillin and doxycycline. Always follow packet instructions for dosage and duration.

Something Extra:

• Medicated Food: Metro-Med makes a fish food specifically formulated to help my goldfish overcome dropsy.
• Kent Garlic Extreme Drops: These drops are designed to help my goldfish regain their appetite when they are sick. I always follow the packet instructions for dosage and duration.

How to Prevent Dropsy or Swelling in Fish

As with most diseases, prevention is better than trying to treat fish. Dropsy is usually a condition that weakens the fish.

Maintain a Healthy Environment in the Tank

I change the water in my tank regularly to avoid creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and ensure the filter is always clean and functioning properly.

I check the water regularly and monitor the temperature. Aeration increases oxygen levels in circulating water. I use a gravel vacuum to remove waste deposits from the bottom of the tank.

Feed High-Quality Food

I feed my fish a diet rich in vitamins A, D, and B complex and omega-3 fatty acids to boost their immune system. I include high-quality foods, flakes, and frozen foods, but I don’t overfeed the fish, as overfeeding can cause digestive problems.

Avoid Overcrowding

Overcrowding can stress fish and weaken their immune system. I maintain appropriate stocking levels in my aquarium to reduce stress and the risk of infection. I do not keep more than 1-2 koi or 2-3 goldfish per 200 gallons of water.