Dropsy or Kidney Bloat in Tropical Fish
When dealing with tropical fish illness and disease, it's always a good idea
to have a good guidebook at your side. We recommend
this book as a handy desktop
reference.
Most hobbyists are happy to see their fish looking fat and
healthy, but like humans, there is a point beyond which the "fat" is
not a good sign. Overfed fish also tend to leave more food in the
water, which causes increased pollution and an extra workload on
your filtration system. Occasionally, fat fish are leaving their
food for other reasons than being full.
You may find one of your fish suddenly appears to have an enormous
gut in just a day or two. The bloated or extended stomach can be
caused by several things, but sudden onset is most likely a
bacterial cause. In a short time, you'll probably see scales
beginning to stand out from the fish's sides. This is typical of
bloat, or ascites, the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen. Fish
in this state will begin acting abnormally in a number of ways from
not eating, to not moving, or hanging at an angle in the tank, all
of which may be caused by the internal pressure the water is
exerting on their organs and swim bladder.
Sometimes the fish will appear to bloat more gradually, and the
scales will not be as prominent. This can be as simple as
constipation, cured by not feeding for two days, and then giving
them the inside of a cooked pea. Or it could be the slow growth of
an internal tumor.
Dropsy most often affects the kidneys as bacteria multiplies in
their system, hence the name "kidney bloat". The condition if caught
early, can be treated, although not always with great success. Fish
should be removed to a hospital tank that has the temperature
elevated 4-6 degrees, according to the type of fish, and antibiotics
added to the water. Additional antibiotics for secondary bacterial
problems can be administered by soaking food in the medicine. Some
hobbyists also recommend 1/8 tsp. Epsom salts per five gallons of
water, to help alleviate the internal fluid pressure.
Recommended!
A-Z of Tropical Fish Diseases and Health
Problems: The aim of this book is to help aquarists recognize signs of
illness so they can identify and resolve problems. Divided into three sections,
the first focuses on health and husbandry, describing the signs of a healthy
fish, anatomy and general care; the second provides signs of diseases and health
problems and is cross-referenced to section three, which covers the treatment of
diseases and health problems. Illustrated throughout with top-quality color
photos, the book is an invaluable reference for novice to experienced
fishkeepers. Click here for your copy.
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