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My betta fish is bloated and sick. What are dropsy treatment options?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Betta | Male

I don’t know what to do. I think my betta is sick with dropsy. I have added a tap salt and been using bettafix weekly. Today I used mycelen omega. Can I save him. He seemed bloated last Monday.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 8th, 2020

Unfortunately, by the time you see "pineconing ", the chances of recovery are very very small. Broad spectrum antibiotic products, such as Kanaplex or Maracyn II, may treat infection. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas do best in water between 78 F and 80 F. You can dissolve 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and allow a 10-15 minute swim before returning him to the regular tank. This may help with fluid buildup. Do this once or twice daily. Even with aggressive treatment, the mortality rate is very high.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 7th, 2018

    Dropsy is a serious condition with a poor prognosis. If your fish is showing evidence of pineconing, there may be little to be done to reach a positive outcome. Treatment or management will include regular partial water changes ( to maintain water quality and chemistry), antibiotics (Maracyn, Kanacyn, Neomycin, or tetracycline) and Epsom salt baths (to decrease swelling). Use only aged or conditioned water for changes. It should be temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78F and 80F. The antibiotics can be found in the aquarium section of the local pet store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. An Epsom salt bath can be made using one tablespoon of Epsom salt (NOT aquarium or table salt). Dissolve 1 tablespoon in a gallon of tank water and allow for a 1-30 minute swim once or twice daily before returning her to the main tank. Hopefully, this will help her through this condition.

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