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.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 28th, 2017
Unfortunately, it appears as if he has dropsy. The pinecone appearance and swollen eyes are classic symptoms. This is not a disease but rather a symptom of larger illness. The swelling is caused by fluid retention caused by renal impairment, infection or failure. Dropsy has a high mortality rate, especially when pineconing is apparent. Treatment can be attempted using kanamycin and metronidazole. Both can be purchased from the local pet or fish store. Look in the aquarium section. Follow label directions carefully. An Epsom salt bath can help with fluid retention. Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in a gallon of water and allow for a 30 minute swim once or twice daily. Remove him and place back in the hospital tank if he shows signs of stress. Daily water changes can be done to maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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