Dropsy Disease

Dropsy is potentially fatal disease for fish. The fish is characterised by a swollen or hollow abdomen. The swollen abdomen appears so large that proportionally give the fish a very strange look. Often this disease is ignored as the aquarium owner thinks that either the fish is pregnant or carrying eggs. The cause of this disease is not really known but is believed to be caused by internal infections by a number of different bacterial species. Viruses have also been associated with the disease. It has also been suggested that poor water quality and/or diet may trigger the disease.

Symptoms Of Dropsy

The fishes abdomen is swollen like a balloon, this often makes the fishes scales stick out. This can often lead to further disease. Fish may also appear lifeless and stop moving much and feeding. Gouramies and Cyprinids (barbs, danios, etc) are prone to this disease.

Treatment Of Dropsy

Unfortunately by the time this disease is correctly diagnosed it may well be to late to save the fish. It is a very difficult disease to cure and can also be contagious, so isolate the fish immediately until it either recovers or has to be destroyed. In the past antibiotics prescribed by a vet were the only means of treatment but now there are commercially available treatments. These include Interpet anti internal bacteria Octozin. The addition of salt (1 tsp/gallon) may also be beneficial.