Permanent Gill Hyperplasia - What to Do?

[Sakura8]

I just got a betta boy a few nights ago from Petco and it looks like both his gills are permanently swollen so they stick out from his head. From what I've researched on nippyfish.net, this is gill hyperplasia? Is there anything I can do for this little guy? He does seem to breathe a bit heavier but he doesn't appear to be desperately ill. He's not super active but not lethargic and listless. More like . . . cautious, like he can't believe he's out of that tiny, dirty cup. He hasn't eaten yet either. When he swims, he never uses his ventrals. He's an odd little guy.

Should I try to treat him with a medication? Nippyfish.net advises adding AQ salt but I can't do that on a long-term basis. I just want to help the little guy feel better and breathe easier (some pun intended).

[Oldfishlady]

Poor fella and such a pretty guy too.....

Sometimes when they are neglected to the point that they end up with lots of scare tissue due to ammonia burns-if that is what happened or not a genetic flaw.....not a lot can be done-however, you can use Epsom salt and tannins long term and that may help some-at least to make him more comfy and reduce any swelling-it won't do much for scare tissue or genetic problems-you also can't rule out gill parasites as a cause...is he flashing any?

[Sakura8]

Hi OFL, thanks for replying. No, he's not flashing. He doesn't really move a whole lot and when he does, it's very slowly. Almost leisurely. I have noticed he's developed "floaty butt," though. Couple of times I've checked on him only to watch his tail end slowly rise until he's literally on his head. So the epsoms should help that too, I hope.

Should I treat him with AQ for possible parasites before starting epsom salts?

[Oldfishlady]

If he is not flashing...I would start with Epsom salt....

[Sakura8]

Got it. Thanks, OFL.

[dramaqueen]

He's pretty!

[Sakura8]

Thanks, DQ. :) He's colored up even more too.