[sophienjerry]

30 minutes ago, I dropped my betta Jerry while cleaning his bowl. He fell from about 3.5 ft on to tile. I quickly (and gently) picked him up and put him back in his bowl. He sunk to the bottom on his side. He can move his fins, and he is breathing, but he cannot move his body. I'm extremely worried as this fish has a lot of senitmental value to me. I put him in a dark room and made sure his water was warm. Am I correct in assuming he might have a broken back? If so, should I wait to euthanize him, or do so immediately? And if I did have to euthanize him, what would be the best way to do so?

 

[wystearya]

Don't euthanize yet. Wait and check on him often. Maybe try gently nudging him to see if he can move. He might be in shock.

But your right, with that high of a fall onto a hard floor, he could have a broken back. I would just wait to be sure first.

 

[Olympia]

It's good that you have him in a dark room with warm water.
Though a broken back is possible, I have my doubts as well. He could have just gone into shock. Don't euthanize yet. Another good thing would be to lower his water level, maybe put him in a cup and float it in the tank.. This will make it easier for him to get air. Maybe 2-3 inches of water.

 

[copperarabian]

Keep hope, a friend of mine had a female betta leap from her tank and land on the floor, later she found her all dried out but put her back in the after just in case. The first day she barely moved and slowly she got better and lived another year.

 

[dramaqueen]

Sophie, how is he doing now? Can you give us an update?

 

[iceyrose]

Awe good luck with ur betta....that's awful ...
On another note keep hope....ur betta buddy will prolly recover from trama stay hopefull & watchfully & attentive & befor u know it little buddy will be zipping around his tank

 

[tpocicat]

How is your betta doing?