Aspirating a Betta with Dropsy

With our Betta fish pretty much at death's door, we decided it was worth a shot to aspirate him to relieve his swelling. This is the document of the procedure, which was successful at removing the bulk of dropsy related fluid. 2 weeks post operation, he is doing pretty well and shows no signs of infection. Hopefully he'll make a full recovery. If we had to do it all again, we should have definitely worn surgical gloves (instead of just an intense hand scrub) and potentially added more anesthesia. UPDATE: the actual total amount of fluid drawn was .5 ml not 70ml! DISCLAIMER: The following procedure was performed by amateur fish keepers with no training and no veterinary background. We are sharing this as a record of the procedure, and it's for anyone who might find this information beneficial. Please be aware of all the risks involved in sedating and aspirating a fish if you attempt to perform this procedure yourself.

Aspirating a Betta with Dropsy sentiment_very_dissatisfied 63

Betta 9 years ago 177,645 views

With our Betta fish pretty much at death's door, we decided it was worth a shot to aspirate him to relieve his swelling. This is the document of the procedure, which was successful at removing the bulk of dropsy related fluid. 2 weeks post operation, he is doing pretty well and shows no signs of infection. Hopefully he'll make a full recovery. If we had to do it all again, we should have definitely worn surgical gloves (instead of just an intense hand scrub) and potentially added more anesthesia. UPDATE: the actual total amount of fluid drawn was .5 ml not 70ml! DISCLAIMER: The following procedure was performed by amateur fish keepers with no training and no veterinary background. We are sharing this as a record of the procedure, and it's for anyone who might find this information beneficial. Please be aware of all the risks involved in sedating and aspirating a fish if you attempt to perform this procedure yourself.

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Most popular comments
for Aspirating a Betta with Dropsy

dinkie24b
dinkie24b - 6 years ago
It was so amazing watching you guys try to fix your little buddy. Nice try guys. So awesome. Sorry he didn’t make it:(
Mark Campbell
Mark Campbell - 7 years ago
awesome. Best video I have seen
DragonTail videos 707
DragonTail videos 707 - 7 years ago
HOw did he survive without wATER
Leslie-Knope
Leslie-Knope - 7 years ago
I found your video so helpful, I couldn't have done it without your help. I hope my betta pulls through.
Burnt Pretzels
Burnt Pretzels - 7 years ago
Thats one fat ass fish
Preeti Baruah
Preeti Baruah - 7 years ago
You guys surely are brave! That was a phenomenal effort. RIP Stuart.
Detra Isham
Detra Isham - 7 years ago
It hurts my heart to see an animal in pain or discomfort. I'm so happy they helped it
Breyonna Clark
Breyonna Clark - 7 years ago
Aww you guys are the best
Betta Vlogs
Betta Vlogs - 7 years ago
I'm sorry for your loss ☹️

10. comment for Aspirating a Betta with Dropsy

Stella Mortem
Stella Mortem - 7 years ago
I attempted the very same thing with my 3 year old female. I was shocked when, after the success of the sedation, my tiny needle only kept drawing out air? What could that possibly mean?
Btw. My little fish seems okay, but still has a terribly swollen belly
Denise Moreno
Denise Moreno - 7 years ago
I have a betta and I noticed that when I give him food he eats it and about 3 seconds later spits it out , why is that ? HELP
eevee2joltyon
eevee2joltyon - 7 years ago
That's amazing! I commend you for taking that initiative instead of "letting nature take its course". So well done and professional too! Shows how much you really care for such a tiny creature who was certainly grateful for your help. c:
Sydney P
Sydney P - 7 years ago
I just lost my little Kogane. I think it was a number of things. Genetics (he was a copper dragon double delta), my rotten luck, and a swim bladder infection. Possibly a neurological problem, as he had an aversion to light. I had him in a 10 gallon split. The other betta, Hiro is fine. He survived when Tadashi, my betta before Kogane, fell ill and died. I did everything I could in both cases. But both died in the end. I feel bad :'( I'm planning on setting up a new 10 gallon tank. I have live plants. Any tips on how to "decontaminate" the live plants? My new fish Trico passed quarantine with flying colors, and I kinda wish I had discovered this info sooner. I don't want anything to happen to him or Hiro.
Julia
Julia - 7 years ago
my betta had the same thing... it was awful watching him slowly die... he had good and bad days. And it really sounds stupid to ppl when I say I loved him. Im never buying bettas again. :(
Monica Kuzmicki
Monica Kuzmicki - 7 years ago
This is SOOOO COOL!!!!!
Itz Franki
Itz Franki - 7 years ago
Idk why but I am crying watching this!
just another day
just another day - 7 years ago
hi, i like the fact you helped your betta, how long did you get with him before he passed after perfoming the op? thanks
Dorman Cedeño
Dorman Cedeño - 7 years ago
Ese Betta tiene problemas de bejiga natatoria
Natalie Olson
Natalie Olson - 7 years ago
We will miss him!

20. comment for Aspirating a Betta with Dropsy

vera roul
vera roul - 7 years ago
You are very brave, he was lucky to have you. May he rest in peace
Laura Gonzalez
Laura Gonzalez - 7 years ago
I'm sorry for your loss. I wanted to ask what was the think you used to feed him? looks interesting
bebebutterfield1
bebebutterfield1 - 7 years ago
Awww sorry for your loss. I have a beta, those little guys are big on personality. I love that little tank. I have a 5 gal plastic one and will shop for a glass one tomorrow. Hates plastic!
Kendall Lindsay
Kendall Lindsay - 7 years ago
My betta just died of dropsy today.
BTS GOT 7 of EXO's Jams
BTS GOT 7 of EXO's Jams - 7 years ago
when sedating a fish always gently pinch right where their tail and body attach. if they dont react, it means they are completely sedated if they flinch, they are still awake.
Love Byrd
Love Byrd - 7 years ago
very very interesting and impressive, great explanation...
Bottle Island
Bottle Island - 7 years ago
Soooo cute!!!
Random Otaku
Random Otaku - 7 years ago
I didn't know bettas can stay out of water for that long
Rafael Santos
Rafael Santos - 7 years ago
the betta died after? :( sorry
Chetan Parmar
Chetan Parmar - 7 years ago
Nice Performance

30. comment for Aspirating a Betta with Dropsy

KyoSohma2211
KyoSohma2211 - 7 years ago
My betta Talin has this issue right now :( I wish I could help him, he's usually so energetic but now he just seems tired and I can't blame him.
Amy Mckiernan
Amy Mckiernan - 7 years ago
im sorry for your loss... obviously had a lot going on. thanks for trying to save him
Marcelo Altmann
Marcelo Altmann - 7 years ago
He is Fucking crazy!!! They should banish videos like this.
ObscureChan
ObscureChan - 7 years ago
Stewart <3 I hope you're doing much better!! Your owners are so nice T__T!!! thank you for helping Stewart
Tj Fields
Tj Fields - 7 years ago
Hunny I'm going to start a go fund me page for you because it can't be that serious.
Laura
Laura - 7 years ago
i was so scared when the betta was out of the water but everyting was good thx god
Heavenly Angel
Heavenly Angel - 7 years ago
Wow! That was incredible! Poor little guy, I sure hope he is doing better. I lost my beloved blue veil tail betta Bubbles to cotton wool disease, which came on fast and very hard despite my every efforts to medicate and soothe him.
Seeing your video made me think of him and how much people can love fish just as much as other types of pets.

Good luck and fins up for videoing the procedure. It's nice to know like minded kind souls are still out there in this world today, especially ones that love their pets so dearly, whether they're feathered, furry, scaled, slimy or finned!
God bless!!
sachin parab
sachin parab - 7 years ago
you can do same with flower horn if he is suffering with dropsy
Candleruz blaze
Candleruz blaze - 7 years ago
0:15 it's retatarded
My Name Is
My Name Is - 7 years ago
You sound like Amy from Big Bang
Andrea
Andrea - 7 years ago
i just tried this on my molly but no luck. I'm no vet and I made a small puncture but not luck in retrieving and fluid or air. but when I pulled the needle out. i saw a small drop of blood. Almost passed out (complete truth) and gave up. I'm so squeamish at the sight of blood no matter what. I looked in the mirror and my face was white as a sheet.
Slytherin Blight
Slytherin Blight - 7 years ago
well done
Strara dragoness
Strara dragoness - 7 years ago
My fish is at a quite severe chance of having dropsy. He means alot to me I am trying my best to save my betta, Haru. I am so sorry the procedure was unable to save Stuart. I know though he must have been so greatful to have such loving and devoted caregivers. May he rest in peace and find happines in the fish tank in the sky.
Dary Moncayo
Dary Moncayo - 7 years ago
nice, good job guys, is a step forward
Saria Winchester
Saria Winchester - 7 years ago
I love how much you loved your fish ❤ You tried, that's what matters :)
the50chronicles
the50chronicles - 7 years ago
the Betta looks like he had pop eye too
Kay Skywalker
Kay Skywalker - 7 years ago
a water change would've been my first step.
espom salt dip would be my second step, (it acts as a fish laxative)
third step meds and aquarium salt (relaxes the body and helps the fish fish fight off what ever is making them sick)
Vicky B
Vicky B - 7 years ago
It looks like she has a planted tank with driftwood. The tannins from the driftwood are beneficial to hard water but the downfall is it will stain the water. The one plant is in a pot, it looks like it may be in soil, also something that will stain water. I doubt someone who does fish surgery to heal her dying fish doesn't change the water on a regular basis.

A little sympathy would be nice.
priyank naik
priyank naik - 7 years ago
great work
Janice Abreu
Janice Abreu - 7 years ago
Yay! That was awesome!!
Laura Perez
Laura Perez - 7 years ago
when u poke him i said ohhhhh man if a was a fish it woll be like OUCH WHAT WAS THAT FOR

50. comment for Aspirating a Betta with Dropsy

Laura Perez
Laura Perez - 7 years ago
the very biggining i saw the fish like lay down oh no poor guys
Kenn's Aquarium
Kenn's Aquarium - 7 years ago
How nice
Kenn's Aquarium
Kenn's Aquarium - 7 years ago
Until I read the comment u pinned, RIP Stuart have a nice life in fish heaven
مياه عذبة
مياه عذبة - 7 years ago
good work
Mandy Ly
Mandy Ly - 7 years ago
What did you use to feed him?
Mandy Ly
Mandy Ly - 7 years ago
beddini Ahhh. Alright. Thank you so much!
beddini
beddini - 7 years ago
crush the pellets a bit (mine were too big even for a betta) in a clean dish.. and add a bit of tank water so the food gets a little bigger and mushy. Then use eyedropper to suck up the food bits. Nothing difficult.
Mandy Ly
Mandy Ly - 7 years ago
beddini Oh. Thank you, but. How did you get the food in it?
beddini
beddini - 7 years ago
a generic $.99 eye dropper from the pharmacy
Andrew Nyiti
Andrew Nyiti - 7 years ago
hope he's OK 8-)
debbie foster
debbie foster - 7 years ago
Did the dropsy also affect his eyes? Sorry you lost him....but that was an outstanding effort and very informative. Thanks for sharing..
Betta Aesthetics
Betta Aesthetics - 7 years ago
Sometimes it can but it looks more so like this fish also had the start of pop eye. Dropsy causes the scales to raise up and the fish to bloat.
Arthur Mock
Arthur Mock - 7 years ago
Not 10ml... Its 10 Iu. Around 0.10ccs
I'm Tired
I'm Tired - 7 years ago
Can you give me a written account of the procedure?
Robin Henski
Robin Henski - 7 years ago
Good job! Best of luck fingers crossed!
fanofaestallings
fanofaestallings - 7 years ago
I performed several procedures on my goldfish named Spot. he lived for 5 years and was not a Koi. I added ice to his tank when he was stressed and it helped him. I spent more time on my fish than I did my cat. grant it cats are pretty sturdy especially inside cat.
Rissy Lee
Rissy Lee - 7 years ago
Secret Agent Goldfish live better in cooler water.
Secret Agent
Secret Agent - 7 years ago
Why ice? I read that heat should be used?
Nicole Hitt
Nicole Hitt - 7 years ago
That is amazing that u tried to get ur fish better ik a lot of ppl just say oh well I'll just get another fish but that's so amazing this made my day that I at least tried
Cheese
Cheese - 7 years ago
I had a beta that died over a long time there were many times we thought she was dead but was just lying at the bottom of the tank now I know she had this disease and I feel so bad
Animal life
Animal life - 7 years ago
Such good people
• Aaliyah •
• Aaliyah • - 7 years ago
R.I.P. Stuart
Jesse Preciado
Jesse Preciado - 7 years ago
where did you get the clove oil
Carla Pappalardo
Carla Pappalardo - 7 years ago
Whole Foods has it (100% Clove Oil)
J Tarantino
J Tarantino - 8 years ago
Wow- what good parents to try to and help him. So sorry you lost him in the end:( Bettas are such incredible fish when cared for properly and they each have such different and cute personalities. I love mine!
ReviewCam
ReviewCam - 8 years ago
Poor little guy:(
dark knight
dark knight - 8 years ago
i never ever thaught you can make a fish better if its sick or something i just knew they were going to die and there is nothing u can do but actually u can amazing
EAT MY INSIDES
EAT MY INSIDES - 8 years ago
OMFG HOLY SHIT OMG WHAT THE HELL THAT POOR FUKING FISH MAN
mpantunicorn
mpantunicorn - 8 years ago
hey beddini I was wondering is a 1 gallon tank ok for a betta? I have never had one and there are mixed opinions on it, seeing you are good with fish, what would your opinion be?
Amanda Tran
Amanda Tran - 8 years ago
mpantunicorn Well ur choice I would take atleast 5 gallon lol.
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
I think most fishkeepers would agree that 1 gallon is way too small. 5 gallon minimum is needed to have a tank with an established nitrogen cycle.. don't forget a heater and filtration too. Good luck!
Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams - 8 years ago
Rip stuart
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
thanks Jalen! Much appreciated!
gold3n rul3
gold3n rul3 - 8 years ago
I'm sorry but sticking a 30 gauge needle into a 2 inch long fish sounds like a terrible idea. Think how gigantic a .25mm cut would be in something only 50mm long (.5% of length). That's like a 6 foot person getting a cut that's 0.3" in diameter. When physicians drain fluids from people, they use needles less than 1mm. That's 0.04"... Two things can happen from such a relatively large puncture, infection at the site and damaging organs when inserting. I just don't recommend this procedure to anyone unless they are a micro surgeon.
christinagreekct
christinagreekct - 8 years ago
To prevent diseases like this give a small pea every week take off the casing give the insides my fish like peas
Gage Loftus
Gage Loftus - 7 years ago
Just saw this and am new to owning betta fish, I am looking to prevent these kinds of things. If I take the skin off a pea, will he be able to eat it that way or do I do something else to it?
WhiteSnowHawk
WhiteSnowHawk - 7 years ago
Actually, bettas lack the enzymes to digest plant matter (they're carnivores), so peas don't have any nutritional value. Peas, if there is a severe case of constipation, can can kill your betta since they will just add to the compaction. To keep your betta healthy, keep their water warm and clean, and feed them high quality foods. Foods such as New Life Spectrum or Omega One. Live and frozen (avoid freeze dried, they're like potato chips) foods are good as well.
Tyler P
Tyler P - 7 years ago
christinagreekct yeah, they love zuchinni and cuke, for sure. I dont blanch it, I just make sure it's ripe and soft-ish, and stick it on a fork.
Vicky B
Vicky B - 7 years ago
The piranha likes the peas after it's been in the guppy's belly for a few minutes. :P
christinagreekct
christinagreekct - 7 years ago
Tyler P lol maybe a zucchini bland steamed small piece of zucchini that is good too for fish
Tyler P
Tyler P - 7 years ago
christinagreekct all my fish love peas, too. From plecs, to barbs, to silver dollars, to bettas, to cichlids, to loaches, rams, guppies, neons etc.... I give them peas most days along with their usual frozen/freeze dried and flake/pellet. Only one who doesn't like peas is the piranha!
Toylands
Toylands - 8 years ago
did she just put a shot on a fish
Kitty BruJ
Kitty BruJ - 8 years ago
Tyler P
Tyler P - 8 years ago
Sorry this didn't work, for Stuart, and for my(unnamed, as I knew his hopes for survival were slim, upon rescue)
Tyler P
Tyler P - 8 years ago
I think you mean 10 UNITS of liquid. 10 ml would be 10 syringes full :)
eXpress URSELf
eXpress URSELf - 7 years ago
Tyler P it would be ten syringes full of them 1cc syringes
Kenneth Reyes
Kenneth Reyes - 8 years ago
Pop eyes too.
Daniel Manotas Valencia
Daniel Manotas Valencia - 8 years ago
Super Muchas gracias por Tu orientación.
Nicholas Ring
Nicholas Ring - 8 years ago
question: what causes dropsy in general?
Nicholas Ring
Nicholas Ring - 8 years ago
+BlandMelons AJ i see thanks
I'm Tired
I'm Tired - 8 years ago
I've heard it's caused by kidney failure, leading to a buildup of fluid beneath the scales.
Shark Bait
Shark Bait - 8 years ago
+Nicholas Ring glad to help!
Nicholas Ring
Nicholas Ring - 8 years ago
+Camryn J ok, thanks
Shark Bait
Shark Bait - 8 years ago
+Nicholas Ring that's right. Also reduce stress as much as possible, as that also seems to be a factor in cause.
Nicholas Ring
Nicholas Ring - 8 years ago
+Camryn J thanks, so the best way to prevent it i assume is to try and maintain a clean fishbowl, with little or no bacteria?
Shark Bait
Shark Bait - 8 years ago
Dropsy is most commonly caused by bacterial infections. Dropsy is only a symptom and is not a disorder or sickness in itself.
Damaris Flores
Damaris Flores - 8 years ago
I think of old age I'm guessing
Khristian Taina
Khristian Taina - 8 years ago
recently my house was broken into and my fish tank was vandalised. I wasn't home at the time so I got my sister to change all the water in the tank ( the tank was full of spices and random things) she did everything right. but when I got home a week later one of my fish has black marks, pinecone like skin and he was swimming sideways... after seeing the comment about Stuart dying not long after the video was made I am very scared of my fish. and I am wondering if anyone can help me?
Zury De Los Santos
Zury De Los Santos - 8 years ago
you are a merical worker its interesting to see how u cured the betta fish
Lee Marie Mercado
Lee Marie Mercado - 8 years ago
how can I find someone who can do that to my male betta? because he has exactly the same problem. He is swollen his belly and he is not eating and he be still in the corner. can anymone help me please and tell me what steps should I do because I cant stick a niddle to him i dont have experience and Im not risking it. thanks!
Nexi
Nexi - 8 years ago
The exactly same thing is happening to my Betta, I've been told that dropsy is fatal so I'm really scared he might die
Lee Marie Mercado
Lee Marie Mercado - 8 years ago
how can I find someone who can do that to my male betta? because he has exactly the same problem. He is swollen his belly and he is not eating and he be still in the corner. can anymone help me please and tell me what steps should I do because I cant stick a niddle to him i dont have experience and Im not risking it. thanks!
Rita Field
Rita Field - 8 years ago
R.I.P. how old was Stuart ? You were brave, I couldn't do that
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
he was a little over 2 years old when he died. thanks for the condolences..
CanineGrowTime
CanineGrowTime - 8 years ago
Kanaplex IS NOT the way to go with dropsy. It is hard on the kidneys and will usually make a dropsied fish worse. Metroplex and Oxytetracycline along with Epsom salt is a much better treatment. That tank has very dirty water as well, dirty water is the #1 cause of disease.
Deborah Cluff
Deborah Cluff - 8 years ago
Did you simply add epsom salt to the tank or do a salt bath? TIA
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
hi there.. the kanaplex was dosed to prevent infection.. and the water was clean.. I use indian almond leaves to simulate the natural habitat, balance the ph, and soothe him. FWIW we did try tetracycline.. not sure how different that is from the oxytetracycline.
Satber Hoxhaj
Satber Hoxhaj - 8 years ago
where did you get the kanaplex
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
pet shop.. it's readily available.
The female necromancer
The female necromancer - 8 years ago
poor little guy. if you don't have one you should get a Betts leaf hammock for him
The female necromancer
The female necromancer - 8 years ago
it will help him stay at the top of the tank
k vintner
k vintner - 8 years ago
I had a goldfish with dropsy. I soaked the fish in a salt solution to draw out the water. The fish was fine after and lived a long and happy life. Have you heard of anyone doing this for Beta fish ?
Aline Andreza
Aline Andreza - 8 years ago
k vintner
MaratZR1
MaratZR1 - 8 years ago
:(
ShyerLady
ShyerLady - 8 years ago
sorry for your loss
MaratZR1
MaratZR1 - 8 years ago
Sadly in the middle of his treatment he jumped out and died but now I got another betta :(((((((((((((((((( I loved him
Liv in
Liv in - 8 years ago
+marat lssa did it work?
MaratZR1
MaratZR1 - 8 years ago
+k vintner cool thanks :)
k vintner
k vintner - 8 years ago
I used API aquarium salt. Solid Gold has a tutorial. The channel is Solid Gold. Best of luck.
MaratZR1
MaratZR1 - 8 years ago
Aquarium salt? I need an answer quick my fighter fish has dropsy.
Blazing Bettas
Blazing Bettas - 8 years ago
this video is SO helpful
Emmalogical xo
Emmalogical xo - 8 years ago
Cute fishy
Chó Trung
Chó Trung - 8 years ago
hình như con cá này là cá cờ miền trung lai cá phướng
Princess
Princess - 8 years ago
Is Stuart still alive?
Dani
Dani - 8 years ago
how did he die
Princess
Princess - 8 years ago
+Preences Arguelles that's so sad.
EAH BARBIE DIY
EAH BARBIE DIY - 8 years ago
Aww, that was awesome! So glad Stewart got more time to, um, swim happily!Hope all is well and you don't have to say goodbye to Stewart as soon as you thought
Danii H
Danii H - 8 years ago
did he have pop eye as well?
CanineGrowTime
CanineGrowTime - 8 years ago
Yes he has Popeye. He was dropsied which often also comes with pop eye. Extremely sick little guy, at this stage euthanasia is usually best.
Raven Raubeson
Raven Raubeson - 8 years ago
+Danii H exactly what i was thinking. that's a definite case of popeye.
Andrea Saenz
Andrea Saenz - 8 years ago
How did he survive so long with no water
Andrea Saenz
Andrea Saenz - 8 years ago
+Hulk ⓓⓐ ⓑⓔⓢ ⓔⓥⓡ If you know docter who: moisturize me
Nora Esthella
Nora Esthella - 8 years ago
+Hulk ⓓⓐ ⓑⓔⓢ ⓔⓥⓡ (God) do they also survive in Sprite cause o accidentally put it in their cause I thought it was water
Hulk ⓓⓐ ⓑⓔⓢ ⓔⓥⓡ
Hulk ⓓⓐ ⓑⓔⓢ ⓔⓥⓡ - 8 years ago
because bettas can breathe oxygen directly from the air and will stay alive as long as they're moisturized
Kenykenken
Kenykenken - 8 years ago
Jk but your Betta is a survivor U must really love him by doing all of that
Kenykenken
Kenykenken - 8 years ago
He looks like a goldfish though but sorry for your loss
Kasey Cresta
Kasey Cresta - 8 years ago
You guys did great, just one error insulin syringes are measured in "units" not milliliter other then that this I'm sure is very helpful to many Betta keepers!
BRYAN C
BRYAN C - 8 years ago
I think its nice you guys tried but the average person will do more damage then good, I have had this issue on a few occasions and lost one of my favorite fish. I learned from this bad experience and now have 100% recovery rate on this issue. One of the most important things is to isolate the sick fish in a small tank (lights off) with 0 to little current. 90% of the time Antibiotics will not help. Reduce water level of tank down to 60% this will help relieve pressure on the fishes bladder and other organs making he or she a little more relaxed, do not use Aquarium salt, Epsom salt will help the fish !!!, turn the heater up to the high side of recommended water temp for you're fish. My experience has been with discus so I raise water temp to 86.5 and do not feed until the fish was able to swim gracefully (2 to 3 days) which then the fish will start to swim a little better. At this time is when I will start feeding but I only feed frozen bloodworms thawed out in liquid garlic as fish are highly attracted to this. Do not do water changes until the feeding process has started. P.S sorry for you're lost
Beef Supreme
Beef Supreme - 7 years ago
You just need to goto 85F for any species. Ick which would stress a fish even further and make a sick fish that needs its rest mobile till it died of exhaustion. Ick can not live in water that warm. which a sick fish is highly vulnerable to. I did not mention this in my other post here. Because everyone but me keeps their betta at room temp(i keep mine at 85). By time you got the fish tank up to 85 from room temp 3-4 days would have past raising it 2-3 degrees a day. Now you could raise it 2-3 degrees every 12 hours but the fish is going to breath heavy in hot water compared what it is used to. So in 3-4 days you either got it under control by then or you got dead fish.
Deborah Cluff
Deborah Cluff - 8 years ago
Did you simply add epsom salt to the tank or do a salt bath? TIA
Bettas & Art
Bettas & Art - 8 years ago
Is there any medication that you would suggest using with dropsy?
Nia Brown
Nia Brown - 8 years ago
+BRYAN C Great info

100. comment for Aspirating a Betta with Dropsy

Ashley Eppler
Ashley Eppler - 8 years ago
My betta is acting real off. Very slow most of the time and seems like hes sleeping at the bottom of the tank. He used to be real friendly and energetic now he seems depressed. I added plants and now he hides and sleeps in them... Hes not eating and i can't find anything to help me. Hes not bloated either.
Kastiel S.
Kastiel S. - 8 years ago
Hi! Is your betta doing better? If he is feel free to ignore these questions: How big is your tank? Bettas require at LEAST 2.5 gallons, and partial water changes as well. Is it filtered and does it have a heater? If there's no heater he may be doing that because it's too cold for him. If there's a strong current I recommend buffering it with a filter sponge. Do his fins look like they're deteriorating or anything? Any changes in color? White splotches on his head and face may indicate that he's experiencing anxiety or stress.
The Raul Guerrero G
The Raul Guerrero G - 8 years ago
man, i don't know how could you keep your hand so steady
Jojo Elyse
Jojo Elyse - 8 years ago
You were great parents for trying to save him!
Queen of Vulpes
Queen of Vulpes - 8 years ago
this is so sad. If your fish is bloated I recommend not feeding them pellets. They aren't good for bettas. If your fish is bloated fead it bloodworms every 2 days. Only a little bit. TIP- Betta fish can go up to 2 weeks without food. ( not that yiu shouldn't feed them for 2 weeks )
AGRZealous
AGRZealous - 8 years ago
i have flakes and pellets; I usually give each betta 2 pellets a day (in fasting 1 for 3 days cuz I think he is alil bloated) Should i switch to flakes or have 1 pellet per day?
Paula kreinberg
Paula kreinberg - 8 years ago
that was amazing!
Dillon Chauhan
Dillon Chauhan - 8 years ago
you just give probably medicine for fish shop
Cobalt
Cobalt - 8 years ago
4:44 where'd you get that feeding tube thing from I need one of those
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
+Cobalt the "feeding tube thing" is just a $1 eye dropper from the pharmacy.. I've used it for years to feed bettas because you shouldn't feed them hard pellets.. they should be soft and saturated with tank water. Unfortunately when they are soft and saturated, they sink.. so you need to feed a little at a time to prevent waste.
Art Brown
Art Brown - 8 years ago
hi my fish died and he had black gills and was slightly bloated please tell me what happened.
Stenchx
Stenchx - 8 years ago
Do you know what caused it?
Karina Diaz
Karina Diaz - 8 years ago
My beta died from dropsy. I wish I could have helped to make him feel better. Thanks for posting.
Bat Shit Lazy
Bat Shit Lazy - 8 years ago
+Shamy Snowy Wolf well, they say its up to 6 yrs.
ღShamy Snowy Wolfღ
ღShamy Snowy Wolfღ - 8 years ago
+PO PO Oh the manager of the petco I was going to said it, not completely sure if it's true
Bat Shit Lazy
Bat Shit Lazy - 8 years ago
+Shamy Snowy Wolf​ noo way..says who??
Bat Shit Lazy
Bat Shit Lazy - 8 years ago
+Shamy Snowy Wolf whaaat?? 15 years!??
ღShamy Snowy Wolfღ
ღShamy Snowy Wolfღ - 8 years ago
+PO PO Yes, beta fish can live up to 15 years btw. I'm so sad she got sick :(
Bat Shit Lazy
Bat Shit Lazy - 8 years ago
+Shamy Snowy Wolf 5 years??
Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes - 8 years ago
+Karina Diaz mine too last week, I don't know if it was dropsy or swim bladder he was really bloated and constipated and died within 6 days. Broke my heart.
ღShamy Snowy Wolfღ
ღShamy Snowy Wolfღ - 8 years ago
Mine too :'( she lived for 5 years almost 6
Ikeman
Ikeman - 8 years ago
wow very impressed im sorry for your loss you did everything you could and more. Stuart thanks you ..i thank you
iSkleetz
iSkleetz - 8 years ago
what the hell is this
X X
X X - 8 years ago
Two people showing care towards their pet.
TruckRat
TruckRat - 8 years ago
Sad that in the end he didn't make it but, at least you tried.
Heather M
Heather M - 8 years ago
Why were you feeding him with a dropper? RIP Stuart.
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
+Decapitatah Reker you can get an eyedropper at your local pharmacy for $1.
Decapuccino 31
Decapuccino 31 - 8 years ago
+beddini where can i buy that feeding instrument?
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
+Heather M it's much better to feed them wet food (the dry pellets expand in their stomachs).. however most good quality fish food sinks when wet. If you feed bit, by bit they are able to eat the exact amount and you don't lose any in the gravel that turns into unnecessary ammonia
Sparkey2143
Sparkey2143 - 8 years ago
As a fair warning to all with bloated fish, please note that bloating is not always dropsy. It is often a swim bladder issue and has 100% survivability with treatment. Please look up the symptoms and treatments for both before doing anything
Sparkey2143
Sparkey2143 - 8 years ago
+Animals Wildlife three isn't bad at all, I've had mine for 5 but 3 is good
Animals Wildlife
Animals Wildlife - 8 years ago
my betta was 3 years old, but, unfortunately, he past 1 month ago! and before he past away, he was so very bloated!! his whole stomach was red, as if all his blood went to his stomach or something?? and he kept going up for air but his stomach was stopping him fro. that so he sunk to the bottom and he died! right as I was watching him! his name was sapphire! I really miss him! I'm only 12, he was my first pet EVER!! is 3 an old age for a betta??
YOur moma Akogu
YOur moma Akogu - 8 years ago
OMG THIS IS O AMAZING!!!!!
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!
I CANT BELEIVED YOU SAVED THIS LITTLE GUY
THIS IS JUST TRULLY AMAZING
I LOVE HOW I SAW AT 3:37 HOW YOU CAN SEE THE ABDOMAL RETURN TO NORMAL ITS JUST AMAZING TO SO SEE HOW MUCH PEOPLE CAN CARE FOR SUCH A SMALL CREATURE!
DEFINATLY SUBBING AND A DEFINATE SHOUT ON MY INSTA!
Hazieq Syafieq
Hazieq Syafieq - 8 years ago
your betta has a popeye
Asif Ifas
Asif Ifas - 8 years ago
just put him in a cup then put the cup in the freezer.
Arian Khan
Arian Khan - 8 years ago
And did it heal him?!
jessica horner
jessica horner - 8 years ago
but the fish fills with fluid due to kidney failure caused by an infection of the organs. draining the fluid can't possibly save him. also if the betta is still reacting to you it is NOT sedated.
Some Eggs
Some Eggs - 8 years ago
Yeah it died, and they did everything they could. I'd like to see you perform surgery on a small fish.
MatsuLoveLust
MatsuLoveLust - 8 years ago
due to selective breeding bettas have poor immune systems so when they get sick its bad. mine actually had dropsy when I got him he pulled through ended up with ick cured that and a year and a half later has dropsy again only this time I think he's done for sure, its a bacterial infection that slowly causes the internal organs to shut down, surprisingly my betta can still swim perfectly fine and is still extremely active just ... very bloated... I'm considering this to ease sone of that but I don't want to stress him if he's going to recover for now I'll just reduce the amount of feedings and give him an Epsom salt bath.
Beef Supreme
Beef Supreme - 7 years ago
sounnds like he was constipated.
Digitalfiendscom
Digitalfiendscom - 8 years ago
My daughter's betta is extremely bloated and we've tried everything - more frequent water changes (5 gallon tank), fasting then a pea, medication, and more recently Epsom salt.  At first we thought it was bloat/constipation because other than looking bloated, his scales weren't pine-coning and he still swam around reasonably well and seemed hungry.  The last few days though he's become much more lethargic and has started losing some of his colour.  I fear it is most likely too late, but after seeing this video I figure it might be worth a try.I'm not sure where to insert the needle though.  It looks like you are doing this along the abdomen (where the swim bladder is) instead of where the primary bloating is.  Is that correct?  When I look at our betta through his bloated belly you can see a dark mass (organs I assume) closer to the front and what appears to be a void (full of fluid I guess) behind that.  Is that what you are aspirating or is it further back?  I just don't want to puncture anything important. If this doesn't work, at least I'll have the clove oil...
Digitalfiendscom
Digitalfiendscom - 8 years ago
Sadly, I never got to try this out.  My daughter's betta, Bubbles, was on his side this morning and likely drowned.  We had him for a year and a half and he was pretty big when we bought him so probably almost two years old I'd assume.
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
+Digitalfiendscom Hi there.. I hope the video provides some guidance.. we did our best to insert the needle almost parallel to the scales to go just below the scales.. We may have been "on top" of his digestive tract, but we probably didn't get remotely close to puncturing his perineum. Please read my full comments.. this is not a sure fire solution.. you still need to ensure the water quality is 100% better, and if there is some bug/parasite causing this.. it has to be addressed. The whole point of the aspiration is to provide relief from their bodies overly bloating/expanding. Good luck!
Aquascape
Aquascape - 8 years ago
I beg to differ. Dropsy is more a bacterial infection than fungal, and again, when water conditions are poor, it causes any and all types of bacterial organisms, as well as other things to build up. Dropsy causes the organs of the fish to cease functioning, and a buildup of fluid. I have seen dropsy in situations where both frozen and live food have never been given and it has developed. To say that bloodworms can cause it is erroneous.
Flafoo qu
Flafoo qu - 8 years ago
Thanks for letting me know!
Galactic Gamer Girl
Galactic Gamer Girl - 8 years ago
This video was making me nervous I feel bad when they are out of water for too long
Crazy Critters
Crazy Critters - 8 years ago
Bettas can actually breathe the air (not completely) so they are able to be out of the water longer than any other fish could. You shouldn't take any fish out of water, unless you have to though. (Such as netting them, or doing something like this)
Flafoo qu
Flafoo qu - 8 years ago
I have a beta and he's creating bubbles
Panda
Panda - 8 years ago
when a male betta makes a bubble nest, it means they're mature enough to breed :3
Lauren Allen
Lauren Allen - 8 years ago
That's called a bubble nest, it's a breeding behavior that most young bettas do (although I have a male over a year old who still makes them
Kylie Rich
Kylie Rich - 8 years ago
I would like to thank y'all for saving a Bettas life
Sema Garcia
Sema Garcia - 8 years ago
50 ml is wayyy more than that did you not show the rest that was taken out?
Lady Okami
Lady Okami - 8 years ago
+Sema Garcia They posted an annotation to say that she messed up on the amounts in the video. The first and last time were only .1 and the second was .3 ml
Sheila Mclachlan
Sheila Mclachlan - 8 years ago
i tried draining my fancy goldfish but no liquid came out Help plzs
Lauren Allen
Lauren Allen - 8 years ago
Unless he's pineconing (his scales are standing directly up) he doesn't have dropsy. And fancy goldfish are just super fat look them up.
Joseph Borges
Joseph Borges - 8 years ago
I'm happy he is better
Pony Painter
Pony Painter - 8 years ago
He died
vibes-fsx xx
vibes-fsx xx - 8 years ago
he died..
stéphanie grammare
stéphanie grammare - 8 years ago
Hello,I'm french, so can you translate me what are you doing. I think I understand your betta is sick.Isn't it ?
Julia Buettner
Julia Buettner - 8 years ago
Le betta a l'hydropisie et ils sont la guérir en prenant le fluide. Enfin, une personne française!
stéphanie grammare
stéphanie grammare - 8 years ago
Ok but, what's this disease and what are you doing to cure.
It's very interesting for my personal information.
Thanks
KittensandMichaelClifford
KittensandMichaelClifford - 8 years ago
Yes
sansaviera
sansaviera - 8 years ago
Where did you get the needle from? My betta has been extremely bloated for about three and a half weeks now. He is still swimming around but tires out quickly due to the extra weight up front. His still eating too. I have had him swimming with Epsom salt and kanaplex in a hospital tank.
Sparkey2143
Sparkey2143 - 8 years ago
+sansaviera I actually found out recently the pea thing doesn't actually work for bettas, because they are insectivores. So the proper food is daphnia to keep them flowing well. :) and for sure there's only so much you can do
sansaviera
sansaviera - 8 years ago
+Sparkey2143 Hi sparky, thanks he had a good life while it lasted. :) It wasn't constipation I have treated him for that before.
Sparkey2143
Sparkey2143 - 8 years ago
+sansaviera Are you sure it was dropsy? sometimes it is just their swim bladder and the fish can recover from it easily. The root cause is constipation. If you get a new betta, try feeding it a small pellet sized piece of pea with the skin taken off and sometimes that really helps them get things moving and can have them recover. You know it's dropsy when they have spiked out scales like a pinecone. I'm sorry for your loss
sansaviera
sansaviera - 8 years ago
+Clover PaulI had to euthanize him. :(
Clover Paul
Clover Paul - 8 years ago
+sansaviera so how is your fish
sansaviera
sansaviera - 8 years ago
+beddini Thanks! I will give it a try.
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
+sansaviera We used insulin syringes from a pharmacy. Get the smallest gauge you can get. Good luck.
Josie McDonell
Josie McDonell - 8 years ago
Most people wouldn't do this. Hooray for you!!!
Aquascape
Aquascape - 8 years ago
This would not have been necessary if you had taken proper care of the betta. With over 30 years of fishkeeping / betta keeping experience, I can tell you dropsy only occurs when you have bad water conditions / bad fishkeeping habits.
Lauren Allen
Lauren Allen - 8 years ago
Actually dropsy is a fungal infection that can sometimes be caused by poorly treated food (like bloodworms)which is never the owners fault and sometimes it's just a genetic thing. I know tons of people who's fish have passed because of dropsy and their tank water was perfect in every way shape and form
Brianna Harter
Brianna Harter - 8 years ago
actually not owes the case.thanks to mass inbreeding bettas are actually become sicker easier thanks to poorer immune systems.some of the types are more vulnerable than others to disease like crown tails and half moons which are prone to dropsy and fin rot now.
Alexis Tuft
Alexis Tuft - 8 years ago
how long did you keep the blanket over him my fish is currently stressed due to the long drive home from the pet store (signs of stress little Abel is uninterested in eating) he has a blanket over his tank and the light is off
PumpkinPoem
PumpkinPoem - 8 years ago
amazing job kudos
Darwin Mapp
Darwin Mapp - 8 years ago
buy a new one
Lauren Allen
Lauren Allen - 8 years ago
You can't just flush a fish and buy a new one, most people who actually take care of their fish make connections with them and are hurt when they pass.
Orlxndo
Orlxndo - 8 years ago
+Darwin Mapp  Buy a new one? As silly as it sounds, fish can't be replaced that easily.
Tony
Tony - 9 years ago
So fishes can die by hugs (Reference)
bryna
bryna - 9 years ago
my betta fish died from dropsy today:'(
Faded_EcHo
Faded_EcHo - 9 years ago
I felt as if there should have been more clove oil to knock the fish out to SLEEP but not death. Otherwise it was pretty interesting to see someone aspirating a fish so small. I love bettas haha
TheGryfonclaw
TheGryfonclaw - 9 years ago
holy crap! that was amazing. Thank you for the video... it's good to know this can be done successfully.
ps pv
ps pv - 9 years ago
wt is lifespawn of betta
Tom N
Tom N - 8 years ago
+ps pv Properly cared for around 7 years. People say it's 3 but it shouldn't be. A properly cared for Betta will live for around 7. Of course dropsy or some accident with jumping will shorten it but that can't be controlled. Putting it in a too small tank with bad water conditions and bad food can be, so as long as that's fine then 7 years is the expectancy
ps pv
ps pv - 9 years ago
bro how to sadate fish
ps pv
ps pv - 8 years ago
+S Ann thank you
ps pv
ps pv - 8 years ago
ok thankyou
S Ann
S Ann - 8 years ago
+ps pv use clove oil drops in water to sedate your fish
jose garcia
jose garcia - 9 years ago
I have a problem i have a crown tail betta fish with bubbles on his top fin and the bubbles weigh his top fin down what do i do?
Animals Are Awesome
Animals Are Awesome - 9 years ago
Awesome video
Sidney Ketcherside
Sidney Ketcherside - 9 years ago
good luck
Mike Hitchcock
Mike Hitchcock - 9 years ago
This is amazing. Well done.
John RandomYT
John RandomYT - 9 years ago
yes you are GREAT
Masked613
Masked613 - 9 years ago
Was it clove oil that was used as an anesthesia?and if that's not available what should I use instead?
T-Zay
T-Zay - 9 years ago
My purple veiltail developed dropsy and he honestly looked like he was on his way out. Horribly swollen abdomen and difficulty swimming with poor appetite. I put him in a 2.5 gallon tank with a light filter, and kept the tank bare bottom with 1 java fern in there. I used a product from "microbe lift" Artemiss for Bacterial Diseases http://reefbuilders.com/files/2010/11/microbe-lifet-artemiss-herbtana.jpg. (the orange bottle is good for any parasites like ich)  I put a couple drops of the blue bottle each day to fight infection/boost immunity along with a tiny sprinkle of epsom salt to reduce swelling. Many weeks later it's like the fish is back to normal.  He also looked comfortable in the 2.5 setup so I am working on the tank he came from to see if I can make it a cleaner, more stable environment, switched to sand and corrected PH and everything. Made sure to do weekly partial changes instead of big bi-weekly changes.

Artemiss + Epsom salt really helped.
pierson jones
pierson jones - 9 years ago
I think its great u tried to help him though
Annie Quinn
Annie Quinn - 9 years ago
soaking your food before feeding is always good to, to avoid swallowing air.
sealclubber25
sealclubber25 - 9 years ago
Not 70 ml out of a fish! That's two ounces! Insulin syringes are only about 0.5 ml, and measure in units. Those units are a lot smaller than a milliliter.
beddini
beddini - 9 years ago
+sealclubber25 yes, that was a misquote.. you can see it was corrected in the UPDATE, and the live comments
beddini
beddini - 9 years ago
As expected, this procedure only addresses the symptoms and not the cause of dropsy.  In the end, we performed this procedure 3 times on Stuart, but the source of the bloating could not be completely remedied despite a few rounds of antibiotics and a full tank treatment.  After seeing him completely bloat up within 2 days of getting drained, we felt it was best to put him to sleep as it was highly likely he was going into total organ failure.  That was incredibly tough.  RIP Stuart.  We miss you.  love, Mom and Dad
Fishing and Hockey Aquariums
Fishing and Hockey Aquariums - 7 years ago
beddini I’m so sorry for your loss
Alli Bart
Alli Bart - 7 years ago
beddini I’m crying ): this happened to two of our dwarf frogs ):
Beef Supreme
Beef Supreme - 7 years ago
Yilmaz Sahinkaya That is not true at all. Betta are community fish. They thrive with interaction of other fish. They only attack other male betta. if all the fish are community fish and there is enough room for the alphas of each species to have their own area to defend. That is without doubt the best for a fish, Any fish.
 Betta are no different. Except they are so hard to kill you can put them in a bag with 4 table spoons of water for 3 weeks breathing and drinking its own bio. But would you thrive like that?
Circus Baby
Circus Baby - 7 years ago
beddini it's not stupid. It's beautiful. It gets better, trust me :D
beddini
beddini - 7 years ago
thank you! it means a lot. It sounds stupid, but we really loved our little guy.
Bentley
Bentley - 7 years ago
I've never seen so much compassion!
Circus Baby
Circus Baby - 7 years ago
please help thanks. But it's sad how little people can understand that fish, especially Betta who RECOGNIZE their owners, can be a very big part of life.
please help
please help - 7 years ago
Mackenzie Luvs life well said
Jasmine Bopp
Jasmine Bopp - 7 years ago
beddini R.I.P
Circus Baby
Circus Baby - 7 years ago
beddini so sorry for your loss. People with no fish don't understand how hard, tough and heartbreaking it is to have a fish pass on.
Rab Anderson
Rab Anderson - 7 years ago
+Michael Baker yeah spot on. You try and do what you can for them.
Michael D. Baker
Michael D. Baker - 7 years ago
+Rab Anderson Well said and yea, I totally get that. I've actually aspirated fish requiring it many times and the benefit is that they can't eat or stay up straight till that procedure it typically done when bloated so the aspiration is to relieve the immediate problem giving more time to isolate and medicate most of which I've had great success giving back it's full expected life expectancy and at this point, it's walking the green mile anyway.
beddini
beddini - 7 years ago
Rab, thank you for your kind words.. hugely appreciated.
Rab Anderson
Rab Anderson - 7 years ago
beddini I had an idea that the underlying cause would still be there. But hey, good for you to even try this with such a small species.
Just to see him look so better the next day, was worth it. His dorsal fin was straight up, in that 'I'm a Betta and nothing fazes' me way.
If anything. You relived his symptoms for a short while.
But more importantly got aquarists swapping information here. rest Stuart!
Kay Skywalker
Kay Skywalker - 7 years ago
Melafix works well. It doesn't mess with the bioload in the tank either. It's a good med to have on hand
Mary Farmer
Mary Farmer - 7 years ago
Were you keeping salt in his tank? or dipping him?' salt in the human body is sodium in the blood, and it controls your fluid levels among other things. You will have ascites/edema with too much salt in your diet. healthy people don't have this as much. potassium/salt/water all make up the fluid balance in the body of humans. now fish get help with oxygen exchange from salt. salt also kills bacteria and keeps wounds from getting infected.however it won't stop it if it's already ongoing. you need about a tablespoon per 5 gallons normally. a sick fish needs double that amount. salt in high concentrations will kill plants, snails, shrimp, and some delicate fish. be careful with medications around these things. DROPSY is a bacterial infection usually from bad water or injuries. antibiotics are a must.
Yilmaz Sahinkaya
Yilmaz Sahinkaya - 7 years ago
overfeeding and Obamacare. no on the real sorry for your loss
Michael D. Baker
Michael D. Baker - 7 years ago
+Kelly Romanchuk Because of Obamacare
Carter Romanchuk
Carter Romanchuk - 8 years ago
Why did this have to happen to him
Abigail And Kylee
Abigail And Kylee - 8 years ago
beddini I feel so bad for you. RIP Stuart
Carissa Gonzales
Carissa Gonzales - 8 years ago
beddini R.I.P. Stuart! I'm so sorry!
Yilmaz Sahinkaya
Yilmaz Sahinkaya - 8 years ago
thank you. I have another betta now. I have him by himselt in 30 gallon. hes in heaven. bettas have to be by themself. otherwise they will overeat too much. when you feed other fish in the tank they will go after the food. that's how they overeat
Richiko06
Richiko06 - 8 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss
Bossspider909 M2
Bossspider909 M2 - 8 years ago
R.I.P
beddini
beddini - 8 years ago
vets that specialize in aquatic species are difficult to find.. and ones that work on bettas even more so.
DevinCriesSometimes
DevinCriesSometimes - 8 years ago
Awe I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you probably would've if you could, but I just had a quick question; can you actually take a betta fish to the vet? I just want to know just incase something happens. I just got 2 betta fish on Saturday and they are doing very well.
Yilmaz Sahinkaya
Yilmaz Sahinkaya - 8 years ago
i totally learned my lesson. all this i believe is caused by overfeeding. i have a new beta and is doing great on just three little pellets a day. these betas have big appetites and will eat beyond their means. keep them alone other wise they will overeat when feeding other fishes.
k vintner
k vintner - 8 years ago
I was unaware of that effect. That is totally possible and makes sense. I did use small doses for a short period of time and did subsequent water changes in conjunction with a carbon filter. It has seemed to revitalize the male beta. I will take your information into account. Thank you.
jessica
jessica - 8 years ago
+k vintner I thought mela fix coated the labyrinth organ (allows them to breath out of water) and slowly kills them?
k vintner
k vintner - 8 years ago
I recommend Melafix from API it's all natural and works well for bacterial infections. I also use Pimafix for any sign of fungal distress and is all natural as well. I have a male Betta with dropsy symptoms, lethargy and bloating, that I have treated with Melafix and it has worked so far.
Yilmaz Sahinkaya
Yilmaz Sahinkaya - 8 years ago
mine died. terrible. had to put him in the freezer
Blazing Bettas
Blazing Bettas - 8 years ago
+Norma Saenz my betta named Blu also has dropsy
MLGamerPlays Mc
MLGamerPlays Mc - 8 years ago
+beddini SIP staurt
Norma Saenz
Norma Saenz - 8 years ago
+beddini :'( My Blue has this Dropsy. I'm sad
beddini
beddini - 9 years ago
+Yilmaz Sahinkaya I wouldn't be able to tell you exactly... but it sounds like you just went straight in and too far.. you can see from the video, we went about 20 degrees to just penetrate safely below the skin. How is Barney?
Yilmaz Sahinkaya
Yilmaz Sahinkaya - 9 years ago
+beddini i'm so sorry. i did the procedure on barney my betta. i couldn't get any fluid out of him. just some blood. i'm devasted. maybe i should have tilted the syringe at an angle more?
MsNaufel
MsNaufel - 9 years ago
That's beautiful what you both did... I'm sure Stuart could not have been luckier to have such loving parents... ♥
beddini
beddini - 9 years ago
+Kotorichan thank you.. we really appreciate it.
Kotorichan
Kotorichan - 9 years ago
+beddini You tried your best and I'm sure he suffered less this way. Swim in peace Stuart! Thank you both for sharing this video.
Rogelio Gobellan
Rogelio Gobellan - 9 years ago
I love that video
Dylan
Dylan - 9 years ago
its eyes are popping out
Lucy The Tortie
Lucy The Tortie - 8 years ago
That's how bettas look
Ms Fidget
Ms Fidget - 9 years ago
Oops, saw the part about the kanaplex. That's what I'm using too.
Annie Quinn
Annie Quinn - 9 years ago
+beddini Well if your getting mostly air soak your food in the cap with tank water and then dump it In, it helps lots so its not filled with air and they don't come up to eat and swallow air
beddini
beddini - 9 years ago
+Stacey Dodd He is still with us, but as I suspected, this procedure only alleviates the symptom not the source problem. We have performed it 2x times since March, and both of those times, mostly air seems to be extracted (and we are extracting just below the skin and NOT the swim bladder). He still seems to have a quality life (eagerly eats, poops) but he is very lethargic still. He's over 2 years old so it could just be old age too.
Ms Fidget
Ms Fidget - 9 years ago
How's Stuart doing now? Did he pull through?
Ms Fidget
Ms Fidget - 9 years ago
Thanks for this video. I did the same thing with my betta about 9 or 10 months ago. I would recommend holding your fish just at the top of the water in his tank til he comes to completely, just in case he's not able to swim back up for air right away. I also added antibiotics to my fish's water for a week after to make sure he didn't get an additional infection. My operation was successful, but I didn't have an assistant to pull the plunger. I basically just did the puncturing part and the fluid leaked out of the hole into his tank over the next 12 hours or so. Still worked. It's totally nerve wracking though, so if you're planning on doing it, steel your nerves!! Unfortunately, my fish is now bloating again. I think I'm going to do it again tonight. He responded well the first time and I'd say it was successful since he's still kicking almost a year later.
Yilmaz Sahinkaya
Yilmaz Sahinkaya - 9 years ago
+Stacey Dodd what antibiotics did you use. and did you use clove oil and then hold him on top of the water? ever since i moved into my new apartment my fish caught dropsy. must have veen the stress.
Ms Fidget
Ms Fidget - 9 years ago
Thanks for the info about the artemiss. I've never heard of it. I think the issue with my fish was his age. He did end up dying. All of my fish are in moderately to heavily planted tanks and I definitely stay on top of water quality. Good advice for anyone though!
T-Zay
T-Zay - 9 years ago
+Stacey Dodd My purple veiltail developed dropsy and he honestly looked like he was
on his way out. Horribly swollen abdomen and difficulty swimming with
poor appetite. I put him in a 2.5 gallon tank with a light filter, and
kept the tank bare bottom with 1 java fern in there. I used a product
from "microbe lift" Artemiss for Bacterial Diseases http://reefbuilders.com/files/2010/11/microbe-lifet-artemiss-herbtana.jpg.
(the orange bottle is good for any parasites like ich)  I put a couple
drops of the blue bottle each day to fight infection/boost immunity
along with a tiny sprinkle of epsom salt to reduce swelling. Many weeks
later it's like the fish is back to normal.  He also looked comfortable
in the 2.5 setup so I am working on the tank he came from to see if I
can make it a cleaner, more stable environment, switched to sand and
corrected PH and everything. Made sure to do weekly partial changes
instead of big bi-weekly changes.

Artemiss + Epsom salt really help

(Copied from above. I hope this is useful to you!)
beddini
beddini - 9 years ago
+Stacey Dodd good luck!
Zay'la Warborn
Zay'la Warborn - 9 years ago
That was amazing. My Betta died from Dropsy a couple years ago and I still think about him almost every day. They are awesome fish. I would've been terrified but if there was a chance doing this made him feel better I would've done it..with my husband's help.
Nicole Amber
Nicole Amber - 9 years ago
My betta presented with what they are calling "Mystery Bloat" because it's not Dropsy and none of the other things work (Epson salt baths, meds, fasting, etc). After watching your video I got enough courage to aspirate him after he had been severely bloated for a couple of weeks. The result? He's doing great!!! We are 1 week post-op and he's swimming around happier than before, he's eating (his appetite never went away even when he was bloated), and he's 100% back to the size he was pre-bloat. Thank you!!!
beddini
beddini - 9 years ago
+Nicole Amber thanks! keep an eye on him.. this procedure won't help much in the long term unless the underlying condition is cured. Good luck!
SasuNaru and other junk Dogs anime animal crossing
SasuNaru and other junk Dogs anime animal crossing - 9 years ago
,no no way should any one try this at home
Desert Sky
Desert Sky - 8 years ago
Kaataratic did the dropsy come back?
Vullitic
Vullitic - 9 years ago
+beddini I did it to my betta who was so swollen and puffed out she looked like she was just going to explode. I drained clear fluid from just below the skin which was easy to tell because the skin was tough and there is a void beyond the skin which was the cause of the bloat. It drained immediately and I actually didnt have to pull back on the syringe as fluid was under so much pressure it pumped itsself out. My betta "Beauty" is doing much better now and can swim without being lopsided as she was before. I rubbed antibiotic ointment on the areas that I punctured with the needle. I also put her in a separate tank that is medicated with all-in-one remedy and a minute amount of amoxicillin (left over from my medicine cabinet). She got better and I havent had any trouble since (like 6 mos) I have been keeping the tank cleaner and at a higher temp (80%) I used to keep it at 78% and it seems to be working.
beddini
beddini - 9 years ago
+Bettafishaddictlover Fishlover thank you for clarifying :)
SasuNaru and other junk Dogs anime animal crossing
SasuNaru and other junk Dogs anime animal crossing - 9 years ago
I think what you are doing is great but too scary for me to even try that
beddini
beddini - 9 years ago
+Bettafishaddictlover Fishlover if you were desperate, and your fish was going to die, wouldn't you want to know this was a potential remedy? Maybe if you were unsure you could perform this yourself, you could show it someone that did feel competent especially given the do or die circumstances?
Ichigo10469
Ichigo10469 - 9 years ago
sigh

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