epsom salt in-bucket bath dose?

[ryansmith83]

It sounds bacterial to me. Usually if they are bloated due to food/blockage, Epsom will help them pass it within an hour or two.

I have seen fish bloat up due to bacterial infection when all the other tankmates are fine.

I would normally put them down once they developed what looked like raised dropsy scales. They're usually pretty far gone at that point. But you could still try Tom's suggestion of using an antibiotic if you think it may save the fish.

 

[petspoiler]

last night I made a fine powder of penicillin + epsom salt, mixed that in pure aloe vera gel & shot some down her throat with an eye dropper. she let me hold her in my hand without fighting & administer it easily.
her scales are just a tad less raised this morning but looks the same otherwise.
she still can swim normally & move around in the qt tank, but mostly rests quietly.
The disease sticky says kanamycin is toxic with dropsy. so is the next choice erythromycin? might penni work put down throat, getting in the gut, better than w/ fish in tank water?

If the internal damage will be too bad to survive there's no point. it's just kinda sad to put her down when she still has strength.
I am so pissed at myself about the FD krill. She grabbed big chunks & stuffed herself. I altered my norm, watching the BGK picking them off the surface. but other fish got lots.
:-(

If her organs are shot, won't she start "acting" shut down? she still takes little swims around the tank today.

 

[petspoiler]

the more I watch, she is moving around more now than last night. Is there any chance that internal organs are still OK?
don't want to get false hope,...but
I'm gonna shoot some more of my mix down her throat.

 

[Aquanero]

Aeromonas sp. is the most common cause of treatable Dropsey which is a symptom of some underlying issue (what that might be is diffacult to determine). Kanamycin is less toxic to the kidneys than Neomycin or Tetracycline. Kanamycin (which is gram negative) if it is caused by Aeromonas it is the best choice. The thing is we don't know the cause. Erythromycin can be combined with Metro so I would start there and Add 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water. If they have no effect then go to the Kana. That's about all the help I can give you.

Edit: I just read your last post. I would go for it. Like I said since we don't know what the cause is it might just get it done. If that's all you have what the hell. Right?

Edit again: Yes there is a good chance her internal organs are still ok. I wouldn't stop untill she does, I'm pulling for her. But use the salt it will help.

 

[petspoiler]

K. thanks Tom.

 

[Aquaticfan]

Id say keep going. Sounds like she has heart and fight. Most fish with internal issues Go into that shut down mode that ive seen. Id bet just like Tom is talking on as far as pathogens your dealing with a Gram negative issue. If your using something like Emycin its gram Positive. The Kanamycin I think is a great choice. Could try some tripple sulfa if you have some. Its not as strong as Kanamycin and it is a gram negative unit. Keep on with the salt.

Question for Tom as directed towards the treatment and a thought. Have you ever performed a "fizzing" of a fish using a very small needle and used to relieve internal pressure or bloat? Not sure its something for this specific case but ive seen it done and instantly give some relief. Personally never have attempted it though.

 

[petspoiler]

my med problem is being in a small isolated town. the only lfs hasn't had meds lately, so I have to try & get it from vets or wait for mail order.

I've never had a bloated or dropsy fish before, few sicknesses at all. hard thought ordering ***orted med$ to sit in a cabinet for "just in case". but looks like I should do it to be prepared.

this fish isn't my prettiest redhead as fins go, but she is a good hefty large bodied one.

 

[Aquaticfan]

my med problem is being in a small isolated town. the only lfs hasn't had meds lately, so I have to try & get it from vets or wait for mail order.

I've never had a bloated or dropsy fish before, few sicknesses at all. hard thought ordering ***orted med$ to sit in a cabinet for "just in case". but looks like I should do it.

Not that ive got illness issues... BUT always interested in the fish condition and treatment of fish. Ive got a med box I keep. Ive got most things needed in a pinch as I help most my buddies around me locally. If you need something I can send to you Express mail id be more then glad to help. Worst case it would be to you in two to 3 days. Let me know if I can help

 

[petspoiler]

Not that ive got illness issues... BUT always interested in the fish condition and treatment of fish. Ive got a med box I keep. Ive got most things needed in a pinch as I help most my buddies around me locally. If you need something I can send to you Express mail id be more then glad to help. Worst case it would be to you in two to 3 days. Let me know if I can help

Aww, that's too kind of you.
I can afford meds when needed, it's just that sending for an assortment with no illness seems like a big wad.
uh huh, I tend to run last minute. DUMB.

 

[Aquanero]

You should keep a few basics things "just In case" API General Cure (a couple of boxes) some Kanamycin and Furan 2 would be good to have in an emergancy. I know you can't have everything but that covers a lot of issues and Kana & furan 2 can be combined for a powerful one, two punch should columnarus ever rear it ugly head.

I never tried to asperate a fish before I never had to but would if the situation ever came up.

That was a very nice offer Conway....you're a good guy.