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is my betta's bloat worsening despite treatment?
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2024 9:42 pm
by folinx
I've got a Betta in a 10-gallon planted tank, running at 78-80 degrees F. I used to feed him Hikari Tropical Micro Pellets, but that's when his bloat started - a few months back.
As soon as I noticed, I stopped the micro pellets and switched to a mix of Mysis, Tetramin Flakes - his old food, which never caused any issues - and the occasional peas. I'm only feeding him once a day.
But despite the change, his bloat just kept getting worse. That's when I bumped up the salt concentration to 1 tsp per gallon.
Still, the bloat's getting worse. I'm at a loss here. He's eating, he's lively, but you can tell he's really struggling to swim.
What's the next step? I'm getting really worried about my little guy.
Re: is my betta's bloat worsening despite treatment?
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2024 11:16 pm
by coltin
If the scales are protruding sideways from his body, it's likely dropsy and antibiotics might be his only hope. However, the root cause and progression of the dropsy will play a significant role in determining his chances of recovery. On the other hand, if his swollen belly is due to a growth or tumor, unfortunately, there's no cure for that.
It's worth noting that dropsy typically develops rapidly, with the fish swelling up overnight. Given that your Betta's condition has worsened over a period of months, it's possible that a tumor could be the underlying cause. The fact that he's still eating is a good sign, and with proper care, you might be able to save him.
Re: is my betta's bloat worsening despite treatment?
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 12:52 am
by reeflover
I've had some experience with bloat in the past, but it was with rift cichlids, not bettas. I'm sharing this in case it might help. From what I've seen, Metronidazole and epsom salt can be effective in treating bloat. However, it's crucial to catch it early on. If the fish is no longer eating, I'm afraid it might be too late. I've tried this combo in the past, and it worked for me, but I'm not sure if it'll work for your betta.
Re: is my betta's bloat worsening despite treatment?
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 2:32 am
by Doubled
reeflover wrote: ↑Mon Dec 09, 2024 12:52 am
I've had some experience with bloat in the past, but it was with rift cichlids, not bettas. I'm sharing this in case it might help. From what I've seen, Metronidazole and epsom salt can be effective in treating bloat. However, it's crucial to catch it early on. If the fish is no longer eating, I'm afraid it might be too late. I've tried this combo in the past, and it worked for me, but I'm not sure if it'll work for your betta.
I think there's a distinction between what you're describing as bloat in African Cichlids and Dropsy, which is what folinx's Betta seems to be experiencing. Dropsy often stems from organ failure, primarily kidney issues, triggered by bacterial or viral infections. As coltin mentioned, the likelihood of successful treatment largely depends on the stage of the condition. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms become apparent, it's frequently too late to reverse the issue.
Re: is my betta's bloat worsening despite treatment?
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 4:22 am
by folinx
coltin wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 11:16 pm
If the scales are protruding sideways from his body, it's likely dropsy and antibiotics might be his only hope. However, the root cause and progression of the dropsy will play a significant role in determining his chances of recovery. On the other hand, if his swollen belly is due to a growth or tumor, unfortunately, there's no cure for that.
It's worth noting that dropsy typically develops rapidly, with the fish swelling up overnight. Given that your Betta's condition has worsened over a period of months, it's possible that a tumor could be the underlying cause. The fact that he's still eating is a good sign, and with proper care, you might be able to save him.
I'm pretty sure it's not dropsy - the bloat has been developing over a few months and his scales aren't sticking out. He's still acting like his usual self, happy and lively, just with a bit of trouble swimming. I've been worried sick about him, and I'm really hoping there's something I can do to help him. If it is a tumor, I'm not sure what my options are - is there anything I can try, or is it just a matter of making him comfortable at this point?
Re: is my betta's bloat worsening despite treatment?
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 5:40 am
by folinx
reeflover wrote: ↑Mon Dec 09, 2024 12:52 am
I've had some experience with bloat in the past, but it was with rift cichlids, not bettas. I'm sharing this in case it might help. From what I've seen, Metronidazole and epsom salt can be effective in treating bloat. However, it's crucial to catch it early on. If the fish is no longer eating, I'm afraid it might be too late. I've tried this combo in the past, and it worked for me, but I'm not sure if it'll work for your betta.
He's eating just fine, actually. I agree with Doubled, though - that does sound a bit more like dropsy. I've considered epsom salt, but constipation doesn't seem to be the issue, since I've been feeding him mysis for its high fiber content, and I've also given him peas occasionally. Despite these efforts, the issue persists.
Re: is my betta's bloat worsening despite treatment?
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 6:01 am
by reeflover
folinx wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 9:42 pm
I've got a Betta in a 10-gallon planted tank, running at 78-80 degrees F. I used to feed him Hikari Tropical Micro Pellets, but that's when his bloat started - a few months back.
As soon as I noticed, I stopped the micro pellets and switched to a mix of Mysis, Tetramin Flakes - his old food, which never caused any issues - and the occasional peas. I'm only feeding him once a day.
But despite the change, his bloat just kept getting worse. That's when I bumped up the salt concentration to 1 tsp per gallon.
Still, the bloat's getting worse. I'm at a loss here. He's eating, he's lively, but you can tell he's really struggling to swim.
What's the next step? I'm getting really worried about my little guy.
Can you describe the poop? Is it white or translucent, and does it look like threads? If he's eating and pooping normally, I'm inclined to think it's not bloat.