[Rescue] Dropsy? SBD?

[Wolfie305]

So I went to Walmart today before work and of course, had to check the betta fish because Walmart bettas are always in horrible condition and I need to make sure their waters are okay. Sure enough, I found this little red veiltail with an extremely bloated belly.

After talking to customer service and the guy in the pet supply department, who was SUPER nice and interested in learning about what I had to say about betta care, they gave me the fish for $1.00. I couldn't say no.

Aside from the obvious bloating, this guy is actively swimming like he's perfectly healthy. He's not floating or doing headstands or anything else out of the norm.

At first I figured he had dropsy, but after looking up some pictures online, could this be swim bladder? He's not pineconing throughout his whole body - the only scales sticking up are the ones where his belly is.

Here are some pictures I took of him, still in his cup. I'm about to move him to a small one gallon for now and start treatment. What should I use?

Note: He is pooping in the picture what looks to be pretty normal poop? Good sign?

[Bladezero]

sounds a uninformed employ or a dumbass kid has something to do with it but it looks just like he ate to much or something that didn't get out as it should :)
his scales look stretched not pineconed, atleast to me :)

I would fast him a day or two and look for changes, since he's acting healthy that's what I think..

Although I doubt it, but it might be bacterial infection or internal parasites but with LPS you never know what the fish went threw :(
But keep a close eye for the smallest change in his belly, if it gets even abit bigger without eating there is something wrong in him and he needs meds.

[Wolfie305]

I wonder if this could be internal parasites too? :C

[Luimeril]

he's very bloated. i think fasting him for a few days might help. if not, treat him for internal parasites. .3. either way, i think epsom salt would help...

[Wolfie305]

Originally Posted by Bladezero

sounds a uninformed employ or a dumbass kid has something to do with it but it looks just like he ate to much or something that didn't get out as it should :)
his scales look stretched not pineconed, atleast to me :)

I would fast him a day or two and look for changes, since he's acting healthy that's what I think..

Although I doubt it, but it might be bacterial infection or internal parasites but with LPS you never know what the fish went threw :(
But keep a close eye for the smallest change in his belly, if it gets even abit bigger without eating there is something wrong in him and he needs meds.

Thank you! His scales around his belly are definitely stretched, but with Dropsy, doesn't his whole body pinecone?

[Bladezero]

At later stages yes, first noticeable around the belly..

I agree with Luimeril, Epsom salt might help him :)
as for the internal parasites, just heating his water to 85f might treat them, works well with external parasites.. Worth a try :)

[Wolfie305]

Treating him now with Epsom. Gonna start with 1tsp/gal but should I increase it?

[Bladezero]

Don't think so, the Epsom salt is only there to help.. He can do it on his own without it but its easier for him with, I think a full treatment will be more stressful then fasting with the amount your using :)

[Wolfie305]

Alrighty thank you :)

[Luimeril]

i hope he makes a full recovery! :V he's a purdy boy. :B my boy, Pyro, is a red veil like him, but Py has a HUGE tail. :B