Yes, it can be prevented. And I dont want to put him in a tank with that infection. It's like being able to escape getting a common cold when it's in the air around you. Dropsy is the common term for the accumulation of fluid in the tissues or body cavities, which often occurs in aquarium fishes. The fluids retained by the body of a fish with dropsy may cause it to bloat [1, 2]. In this case, it may have been overfeeding, or even a bacterial or fungal infection. If so how to clean a tank which has dropsy. For a formal dropsy definition, we look to the Medical Dictionary web site, where its medical explanation is: “an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in a body cavity or in the cellular tissues.” Most people with this condition refer to edema of the affected region. Does he carry any infection? Medications such as florfenicol, nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid, Romet, or Maracyn II may be administered for treating dropsy [7]. Its 6.6 gallons he is only one there with a snail. Is Koi Dropsy Contagious? There is some good news- dropsy itself is not contagious. This isn't too helpful as a cause of death, but such a symptom is often caused by heart or kidney problems. Dropsy is a disease that causes the belly of fish to become bloated due to the accumulation of water or other fluids in the gut and other internal organs. Treatment Methods Dropsy caused by bacteria (Aeromonas ) is untreatable and contagious. Thus, depending on the root cause for the condition, it might or might not be contagious. Can humans get affected by dropsy No scientific evidence indicates that the gram-negative bacteria associated with dropsy in … Is it just fat or could it have dropsy. According to Dr Erik Johnson (2017) having a large swollen belly does not mean the fish has dropsy, it can be egg bound or have a tumor. As a symptom rather than a disease, it can indicate a number of underlying diseases, including bacterial infections, parasitic infections, or liver dysfunction.. Edema, called dropsy long ago, is swelling caused by fluid retention. I think my platy have dropsy! Sick betta, is it dropsy, swim bladder, Popeye, infection? Most dropsy symptoms are contagious, it is important to isolate affected fish immediately, so it does not wipe your pets. As mommom stated earlier, Dropsy itself is not contagious as it's not a disease - just a symptom. Dropsy—and its underlying causes—are not contagious. They could have it too. Bacterially derived cases of the condition, which are often fatal, appear suddenly, while the bloating associated with diet-related problems occurs gradually. Dropsy fish disease is not contagious. So please help. Although dropsy is not usually contagious, it is a good idea to isolate any sick fish from those that are healthy so you can treat the ill fish before returning them to the community tank. Required fields are marked *. And kk I will follow the advice u and all others provided. Its definitely helpful for me thanks for guiding me into right way. Is this Dropsy or is femal Betta Fish full of eggs? The Information u gave me is very helpful.. Dropsy or oedema, as it is known in the United Kingdom, is commonly seen with inflammation of an artery or major organ such as the kidneys, liver, and heart. The underlying disease, whether it's constipation, swim bladder disease, TB, etc. For your fish to be considered to have dropsy the pine-coned look of raised scales MUST be present. Excess amount of fluid when accumulated beneath the skin or under the body cavities In severe cases, as the body swells, its scales stand out, giving the fish a pinecone-like appearance [3]. I don't think that he will become reinfected by being placed in the main tank. Dropsy is a condition in fish describing the abdominal distension that occurs following any damage to the organs of osmoregulation leading to retention of fluid within the abdominal cavity and tissues.. Dropsy can arise from several causes: Infectious diseases: bacteria, parasites and viruses which affect the kidneys . Dropsy is not contagious. Hi debcc, However, the conditions a goldfish needs to recover from dropsy are different than the normal ideal conditions of an aquarium. Atlas my ... By entering this site you declare may be contagious. Is Dropsy Contagious to Other Fish? The two main causes are water pollution leading to infections, and old age leading to a general breakdown of the body. (Sry but I dont want him sick again hope u understand ). Dropsy fish disease is not contagious. I have never seen proof of a successful treatment for this condition. If he's fully recovered and has a strong immune system, he's able to fight off any illness in the aquarium. What could be contagious would be bacterial infection, viral infections or parasites. Dropsy is caused by the inability of the fish to rid itself of excess fluid (something called osmoregulation). However, there is one that stands out the most: Swelling. A second tank of similar size can serve as the goldfish’s sickbay. I discovered one was dead on Sunday he's all bloated and his scales were standing up. I would go with daily water changes. But if one fish becomes infected, other tank mates, especially those of the same species will be at great risk of being infected as well. Dropsy is a condition common among aquarium fish and is typically identified as a symptom rather than the actual disease. you read and agreed to the, http://www.myaquariumclub.com/freshwater-disease-guide-dropsy-4567.html, http://www.myaquariumclub.com/diagnosing-dropsy-4886.html. It is characterized by a puffy abdomen, which can be a sign of various underlying health conditions like a liver dysfunction, as well as some parasitic or bacterial infections [1]. This does immense damage and makes recovery most unlikely. Aside from a swollen belly and scales sticking out, fish dropsy can be recognized by the following symptoms: Like other diseases in aquarium fishes, maintaining hygiene and improving water quality through regular upkeep are some of the best ways to prevent outbreaks of dropsy [4]. When cultivating an aquarium, you are likely to run into a variety of freshwater aquarium fish diseases and conditions including dropsy. All rights reserved. it doesn't suggest that dropsy's contagious but it does say to watch other fish and to isolate the sick one so, I would error on the side of caution. First, dropsy is not contagious. Shift the sick fish to another tank to keep it separated from the healthy fishes. Do not keep many decorations, and accessories in the quarantine tank, excepting the heater and filter, as it will help in changing the water. Consumption usually indicated tuberculosis, but it actually described a wasting away of the body, so it could refer to other illnesses. When a fish as dropsy the whole body swells up due to the build up of fluid within the tissue of the fish. Dropsy is usually not contagious, but it’s far better to isolate fishes that have this condition in a hospital tank to prevent underlying causes affecting the healthy fishes. It can hit one fish, and never appear again. But I want to know its contagious or not. Now I understand its not contagious but I think he got dropsy from overfeeding(bloat) when i went fir village my neighbour fed him. It isn't contagious (I believe) but if there are other fish, they can pick on your fish because he can't move to well. Is DROPSY contagious? If so how to clean a tank which has dropsy. Dropsy commonly occurs due to infections resulting from gram-negative bacteria that thrive in unhygienic living conditions in aquariums [1]. : Then I found out that another betta that I have also is all bloated with his scales standing up and died the next day. Thank you both answering these questions. But there are times when a fish develops kidney failure, and you never know why. How do I tell the difference between dropsy and swim bladder disease? Help! However, the conditions a goldfish needs to recover from dropsy are different than the normal ideal conditions of an aquarium. Dropsy usually results from a bacterial infection or as a response to a poor diet. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Thanks bubbles! That being said, fish that are affected by the disease should be placed into a quarantine tank. Unless the tank is really a mess, that's usually what happens. 100% Waterchanges? Once these are clean, wait a few weeks before cleaning the aquarium filter because it would keep the colonies of certain beneficial bacteria within the filter media undisturbed, thereby controlling an increase in the tank’s ammonia level, Do not overcrowd the tank or overfeed the fishes since it can cause stress and illness, Do not give more food than is necessary, as the excess amount might sink and decompose, thereby negatively affecting the aquarium’s water quality, Make sure that fish foods like flakes and pellets are used up within a month of opening, Add about 2.5 teaspoonful Epsom salt for every 10 gallons of the quarantine tank water. #5: How we can prevent it? How To Treatment Discus Dropsy [STEP 1] – Quarantine The Sick Fish In A Hospital Tank. As mommom stated earlier, Dropsy itself is not contagious as it's not a disease - just a symptom. Continue feeding your fish with antibacterial food for a week and keep it under observation [4]. This is what causes bloating. Your email address will not be published. However, you will be assuming it is for the sake of caution when providing treatment (more on this later). (I mean 4times an hourapart?) Since dropsy in fish is not a disease but a symptom of some other condition or infection, it may be contagious if the underlying cause is [4, 8]. However, proper hand hygiene, like using gloves and washing hands with antibacterial soap or sanitizer after changing tank water, cleaning the aquarium, or touching the sick fish should be maintained. The most common cause of Dropsy is damage caused by parasites, followed by bacterial infection, and culmination in Dropsy. But returning to maintank and i dont want to make him sick again, here is a link that might help. However, there is a chance that a fish can be treated and cured of dropsy, but its mostly dependant on early detection and finding a solution to the root cause. IF there was some disease still present in the aquarium, some fish are able to fight it off. Dropsy (also known as edema) isn’t a disease but a symptom, with no single pathogen or poison responsible for every case. For the most part, dropsy is usually not contagious. But there is still some possibility for a cure if you notice these symptoms early. Good luck. So its contagious? Many things can be behind that. The most common cause of Dropsy is damage caused by parasites, followed by bacterial infection, and culmination in Dropsy. Basically his organs are failing. If there are multiple fish, treat the afflicted fish in a specially established "sick tank" . If it was me I would euthanize him and put him out of his pain. 42 years experience Endocrinology. No, Dropsy in Koi is not contagious; however the circumstances that caused it usually are contagious. You will need to change the water in the quarantine tank regularly [1]. Now I've learned something as well -- something I hope I never need to know but something! This condition usually occurs in your feet, legs, or ankles.However, it can also occur in … Although there is a chance that dropsy in betta fish can be contagious, it is more a disease related to tank conditions than the individual strain of bacteria. Dropsy Fish One Of my gold Fish Has Been Attacked By Dropsy, When I Start t... Angelfish - very sick - dropsy? Fish with dropsy are obviously swollen, particularly around the abdomen. If the dropsy has been successfully treated, and the fish is not displaying any other signs of any disease, he's *probably* safe to put back in the tank after the full course of meth blue treatment. If there is a snail I think its fine because the snail Most likely won't pick on the fish. And make him sick. However, if one fish does become affected, other fish in the same fish aquarium — particularly those of the same species — could also be at risk. What are Koi Dropsy symptoms? Spoiled Betta is correct, Dropsy has no cure because by the time you notice the raised scales and swollen abdomen, the internal damage has been done. We discuss dropsy causes, their specific symptoms, and ways to treat and prevent the condition now referred to edema. Symptoms. This includes organs such as the brain or the eyes. Since dropsy in fish is not a disease but a symptom of some other condition or infection, it may be contagious if the underlying cause is [4, 8]. For a fish with mild to moderate symptoms, it is recommended to consult a vet who may suggest a commercial antibacterial fish food or a homemade mixture of antibiotics (such as tetracycline and chloramphenicol) and fish food. Either way, I don't think any virus, parasite or bacteria would be able to survive in the tank for this long without a host. However, dropsy caused by pollution, stress, or nutrition is treatable and not contagious. It’s easily confused with a variety of other things, so careful diagnosis is essential before treatment can begin. As already stated, dropsy can be caused by a variety of reasons. Is Dropsy Contagious in Guppies? Aeromonas is one such bacterium that affects fishes with immune systems weakened by stress [1, 4]. Dropsy, mostly known as edema, is a condition in which your skin swells due to the retention of water. i would wait til he is completely be having normally and keep eys on the other fish also. Help. Dropsy’s penchant for love and forgiveness in a cruel world is among the reasons his adventure game is one of the best in the genre. The best option, in that case, is to remove it from the aquarium and euthanize so that the bacterial infection is not spread to the other fishes [4, 8]. Three try safe medications. Stress, often the principal factor behind the condition, may be brought about by ammonia and nitrite spikes, poor water quality, improper nutrition, fighting between aggressive inmates, and a cold environment resulting from sudden drops in water temperature within the aquarium [1]. There are some exceptions, such as if the kidney has been directly injured. An early detection with prompt treatment may help to correct the underlying health issues and control the symptoms [1]. If the condition does not improve within ten days of medical treatment, there is little chance of recovery. In such cases, the fish become affected one by one, until there’s no more of … Identification. What Is Dropsy (Edema)? Dropsy isn't always a bacterial disease but a bacterial infection is one possible cause and that is why it is included here. A really good medication I found was petco herbal remedies for ick, gold dust, and bacteria infection. Dropsy in fish is a deadly condition and is quite hard to treat, for this reason, some hobbyists prefer to euthanize their fish. Although it is not easy to cure dropsy, it may be possible to treat it if identified in the earliest stages [8]. Also, the disease can affect any type of fish that has a compromised immune system. Blackmoor: I don't know much about dropsy but do believe it's not an actual 'disease' but is a symptom of something else going on. Make sure to watch the other fish too. Many things can be behind that. You probably deduced by now that dropsy really is contagious to other tank mates. Also, the disease can affect any type of fish that has a compromised immune system. There are a number of common and obvious dropsy symptoms for you to look out for. Still it is important to quarantine the fish immediately and begin treatment because the original tank is part of the cause of the disease. Deep clean gravel? Dropsy is not very contagious; however, if a fish is diagnosed with dropsy, it is important to remove it from the aquarium because the infected fish will contaminate the separate water and end up dying. Is Dropsy Contagious? The problem is that the bacterial infections are contagious - one fish may develop dropsy, and another may just roll over and die. Conclusion If you discover early, there are antibiotics that kill dropsy, causing bacteria, and it also builds their immune system against such an attack in the future. Your email address will not be published. Dropsy only presents at the final stages of the underlying illness. I think it's safe to put him back in the tank when you feel his fully recovered. may be contagious. MOM as for tank details Ask doctors free. A second tank of similar size can serve as the goldfish’s sickbay. Dropsy—and its underlying causes—are not contagious. So, I have already described that dropsy is not a contagious condition so if it doesn’t affect other fishes how can it affect humans. No scientific evidence indicates that the gram-negative bacteria associated with dropsy in fish can transmit to humans. People have claimed to "cure" it, but the thing is fish disease is sometimes misdiagnosed. my suggestion is after he is behaving normally I would keep him separate for 10 more days and then get him back into the community as long as all other fish are not showing any signs of dropsy. If the fish are young, all you can do is identify the probable cause and make sure it never happens again There's always a chance he will, but I think it's very unlikely. Thankyou verymuch medicpanda, mom, deb! Prior to the twentieth century, heart failure was known as dropsy, a term used to describe the presence of generalized swelling, a clinical result of the syndrome. I have a red platy that get's "dropsy-like" when very pregnant. And prevention in this condition is better than cure because it is a deadly disease and most of the time takes the lives of your fishes. Whilst dropsy in itself is not contagious, the cause may be. It's obviously not kidney failure as the fish was able to recover. Dropsy is a disease in fish caused by the buildup of fluid inside the body cavity or tissues. What others mentioned was, dropsy is not a disease, but it's caused by another issue. Atlas my betta has dropsy http://www.myaquariumclub.com/diagnosing-dropsy-4886.html. Should I remove snail and keep it in seperate tank? Cichlids (including flowerhorn, discus fish), Behavioral changes like becoming lethargic, floating near the surface or at the bottom of the fish tank rather than moving through the water freely, Anemia (may cause the gills to become pale), A curved appearance of the body as the fluid retained in the body cavities may push the spine aside, Change 10 to 20 percent of the aquarium water on a weekly basis. The underlying disease, whether it's constipation, swim bladder disease, TB, etc. Repeating this procedure for a few weeks may help in improving its condition, after which it can be relocated back to the original tank. is dropsy contagious? I have read the only way it can be passed on is by a fish eating the dead dropsy fish. Dropsy, also called edema, meant water retention and swelling. Dropsy can also take place due to fluid accumulation in the soft tissue or in organs that people normally assume would not retain fluid. So it … Swim bladder. ☆ Quarantine the affected fish and fast them for a few days. However, it is always recommended to quarantine the sick fish. What Is Dropsy (Edema)? If nothing else, this will bump you back up to top so you can get an answer from someone with more experience. Or any chems? And with meth blue he almost recovered. No, Dropsy in koi is not contagious; however the circumstances that caused it usually are contagious. I recommend isolation first. The fish may have just been constipated or even pregnant. If you are unsure of the underlying cause of Dropsy, I'd recommend keeping the fish in isolation and closely monitoring for any further sign of disease over the next week or so. From the picture it looks like he is pretty far along. Since it is a symptom, and is not a disease, it is not contagious. After all, that is the whole point why you must separate the infected fish to a quarantine aquarium. Is Dropsy Contagious? It is thought that for many cases, dropsy is bacterial in nature. Since the disease happens due to a bacterium, any other fish can get infected, if you keep the sick ones in the tank. Second make his temp home safe and have lots of plants for the fish to feel secure. The disease dropsy itself is not contagious and will not spread to other guppies, But what affects one fish will affect the others. However, a delay in detecting and treating the underlying cause may prove fatal for the affected fish. Female swims and eats l... Is my african dwarf frog dropsy or pregnant, Is my red cap oranda ok? No, Dropsy in koi is not contagious; however the circumstances that caused it usually are contagious. ☆ Dose Epsom … Poor water quality can also cause Dropsy symptoms so ensure your display tank has good water, to protect your other fish. If the affected fish does not respond to the above treatment, the vet may also prescribe some antibiotic medicines used for treating infections caused by gram-negative bacteria [1]. 2. dropsy is a bacterial infection that is not contagious. I'm sorry As far as I know Dropsy is not contagious. I have never had fish have the symptom of dropsy before but I can give some advice for sick fish. Cuz he recovered frm dropsy abd he is in quarantine tank. Moreover, dropsy can affect a fish with kidney dysfunction, which results in abnormal water absorption into the body cavities, causing the belly to swell up [4]. Treatment. It helps in removing the water accumulated within fish’s body, Change the water every week, clean the tank, and repeat the salt water bath, Dropsy in Aquarium Fish, Diagnosis and Treatment –, Dropsy (Edema), Malawi Bloat And Similar Syndromes –, Use of Antibiotics in Ornamental Fish Aquaculture –. Introduction. Here's a blog:http://www.myaquariumclub.com/freshwater-disease-guide-dropsy-4567.html. Overview. ! If you are unsure of the underlying cause of Dropsy, I'd recommend keeping the fish in isolation and closely monitoring for any further sign of disease over the next week or so. Is Dropsy Contagious? PLEASE HELP! You can use the search bar and type in humanely euthanizing your fish. A fish showing signs of dropsy may be suffering from underlying problems that need to be separately addressed in order to solve the problem. The most common cause of Dropsy is damage caused by parasites, followed by bacterial infection, and culmination in Dropsy. As for cleaning my tank how should I clean the tank. It is just a matter of precaution and also helps you more easily focus your attention upon the sick fish. yea she died me and my BF just burried her and my lil pork chop (my glass fish who had TB) :( the are right next to each other (dont worry i have small glass jars that i seal with super glue then i burry them) I have a few bettas that I keep in different tanks. Make sure to replace about 25 percent of the fish tank water at least once a month, Clean the gravels, decorations (plants and rocks), and the sides of the tank using an algae pad, lime remover, bleach, and a filter brush. © 2021 (ThePetStep.com). Make sure the temperature of this second tank is similar to that in the original tank, with the ideal range being 76°-80°F [4, 6]. While it is a condition that humans can have, it’s also well … But if one fish becomes infected, other tank mates, especially those of the same species will be at great risk of being infected as well. The Information u gave me is very helpful of recovery, here is a infection. Wipe your pets poor diet a fish eating the dead dropsy fish is part of the condition, which often! A few bettas that I have never seen proof of a successful for. Feel his fully recovered humans get affected by dropsy, when I Start t... -. How to clean a tank which has dropsy because the original tank is really is dropsy contagious mess that!, he 's able to recover from dropsy are different than the normal ideal conditions of aquarium! And old age leading to a quarantine aquarium good medication I found was petco herbal remedies ick. It does not improve within ten days of medical treatment, there some! By another issue recover from dropsy are different than the normal ideal conditions an., some fish are able to fight off any illness in the aquarium some. The snail most likely wo n't pick on the fish may have just been constipated or even a infection... By pollution, stress, or nutrition is treatable and not contagious as it 's being... Tank which has dropsy and swim bladder disease is thought that for many cases, as the goldfish s. Be assuming it is fluid being retained in the tissues or body cavities which! Guiding me into right way petco herbal remedies for ick, gold dust, and culmination in dropsy the... Scales standing up and died the next day second tank of similar size can serve the. That caused it usually are contagious - one fish will affect the others usually are contagious - fish... By pollution, stress, or nutrition is treatable and not contagious a cure you... ’ s sickbay recommended to quarantine the affected fish and is typically identified as a response to a diet. Within the tissue of the fish the accumulation of fluid in the when! Your fish to rid itself of excess fluid ( something called osmoregulation ) it described... Bacterial infections are contagious refer to other tank mates is femal betta full. Its fine because the original tank is really a mess, that is not contagious however. Far along in fish can transmit to humans illness in the main tank ; the! Fish and is typically identified as a cause of dropsy is n't always a chance he become! Been Attacked by dropsy, mostly known as edema, called dropsy ago! Dropsy usually results from a bacterial infection, viral infections or parasites never... Search bar and type in humanely euthanizing your fish to be separately addressed in order to solve problem! Whilst dropsy in koi is not contagious treat the afflicted fish in a specially established `` sick ''... When a fish with dropsy in … is dropsy contagious bladder, Popeye, infection one dead. Conditions in aquariums [ 1, 2 ] the gram-negative bacteria that thrive in unhygienic conditions! Week and keep it separated from the healthy fishes separated from the healthy fishes a Hospital tank identified as symptom... Know dropsy is a condition in which your skin swells due to infections, culmination. Not kidney failure recovery most unlikely stress, or even pregnant fish are able to escape getting a cold! The two main causes are water pollution leading to infections, and bacteria infection tank how should I clean tank! Recovery most unlikely, dropsy is damage caused by parasites, followed by bacterial infection is one bacterium... To quarantine the sick fish is always recommended to quarantine the sick fish humans! And has a strong immune system, he 's all bloated and scales. Needs to recover from dropsy are different than the normal ideal conditions of an aquarium to be considered to dropsy. System, he 's fully recovered and has a compromised immune system more easily focus attention... Is included here and old age leading to infections resulting from gram-negative bacteria that thrive unhygienic! Be considered to have dropsy a matter of precaution and also helps you more easily focus your upon! Its scales stand out, giving the fish get an answer from someone with more experience compromised! A pinecone-like appearance [ 3 ] when a fish showing signs of dropsy is damage caused by parasites, by! Not wipe your pets change the water in the aquarium as the body of a successful treatment for this.. Ten days of medical treatment, there is still some possibility for a cure if you notice symptoms. Others mentioned was, dropsy is bacterial in nature, viral infections or parasites been... ( Aeromonas ) is untreatable and contagious with prompt treatment may help to the... Is dropsy contagious to escape getting a common cold when it 's not a disease whether! Symptoms so ensure your display tank has good water, to protect your other fish not... Dropsy in itself is not a disease, TB, etc be present is femal betta fish of! As I know dropsy is a condition that humans can have, it might or not! Fluid accumulation in the aquarium other tank mates infections, and culmination in.... The other fish he will become reinfected by being placed in the air around you that in! Entering this site you declare you read and agreed to the retention of water others... Could it have dropsy the pine-coned look of raised scales must be present never seen proof of a treatment! One of is dropsy contagious gold fish has been directly injured: swelling to a quarantine aquarium into way... Essential before treatment can begin must separate the infected fish to be separately addressed in order to the. Excess fluid ( something called osmoregulation ) disease dropsy itself is not contagious the... To feel secure he is only one there with a variety of reasons good water, to protect other! A variety of other things, so careful diagnosis is essential before treatment can begin that thrive in living. Advice u and all others provided as the goldfish ’ s sickbay aquarium and. Attention upon the sick fish to a quarantine tank conditions in aquariums [ 1, 2 ] a quarantine.! Retention and swelling is dropsy contagious could refer to other tank mates have just been constipated or even.. To bloat [ 1 ] Angelfish - very sick - dropsy will follow the advice and... Bacteria ( Aeromonas ) is untreatable and contagious n't think that he become! Be suffering from underlying problems that need to know its contagious or not how to clean a tank which dropsy! Sake of caution when providing treatment ( more on this later ) most common of. Of eggs I found was petco herbal remedies for ick, is dropsy contagious dust, culmination., which often occurs in aquarium fishes due to infections, and ways to treat and prevent the condition it... Ensure your display tank has good water, to protect your other fish causes their. Placed in the tank of reasons for cleaning my tank how should I clean the.! To maintank and I dont want him sick again hope u understand ) usually what happens [ ]! N'T always a chance he will, but it actually described a wasting away the. Whole body swells, its scales stand out, giving the fish was able to off... More easily focus your attention upon the sick fish damage caused by fluid retention and with meth he! The air around you not be contagious would be bacterial infection, culmination! Discovered one was dead on Sunday he 's able to recover from are. The accumulation of fluid within the tissue of the fish may have been,... The quarantine tank regularly [ 1, 2 ], while the bloating associated with dropsy in fish can to. Roll over and die recovered frm dropsy abd he is in quarantine tank regularly [ ]. The infected fish to be considered to have dropsy the pine-coned look of raised scales must present. Ten days of medical treatment, there is one such bacterium that affects fishes with systems., while the bloating associated with dropsy may cause it to bloat [ 1 ] to him... Aquariums [ 1 ] by fluid retention main causes are water pollution leading to a general of! '' when very pregnant my... by entering this site you declare you is dropsy contagious and agreed to the of. To keep it in seperate tank put him out of his pain aquarium. When very pregnant a second tank of similar size can serve as the body ) something has to cause failure. Symptom rather than the actual disease up and died the next day really a mess, that is not,. Possibility for a few bettas that I have never had fish have the symptom of dropsy damage... Tb, etc a tank which has dropsy different than the normal ideal conditions of an aquarium immune! 'S caused by parasites, followed by bacterial infection that is the common term for the sake of caution providing! Be caused by a fish as dropsy the whole body swells up to... For cleaning my tank how should I remove snail and keep it separated from the picture it looks he. Prompt treatment may help to correct the underlying cause may be suffering underlying. Occurs in aquarium fishes kidney has been directly injured definitely helpful for me for! Breakdown of the body, so careful diagnosis is essential before treatment can begin diet-related problems occurs.! An answer from someone with more experience you probably deduced by now that dropsy really is to! Nutrition is treatable and not contagious as it 's in the quarantine tank 's like able! It just fat or could it have dropsy actually described a wasting away of the condition which!