I think my goldfish had dropsy

I think that there are medications to treat it... I don't think it's contagious. Could you post water parameters? Tank size? Inhabitants?

This might help: http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/Dropsy.html

the bad news is that normally when a fish shows signs of dropsy, its too late. Dropsy is a symptom, not an actual disease. The most likely cause with goldfish is bad water, sudden water temperature changes, something that could send it into shock. For this, a goldfish's kidneys shut down and it starts to retain fluids which make it swell up and its scales stick out like a pinecone. I would check on all of your water parameters because if it is bad water, that is a way others could get it. Medicines might help slow your fish's condition, i've heard of using epsom salt before (i dont remember how much though) as this will drain some of the fluids, but i really am sorry that it doesnt look good...

I agree. Dropsy symptoms are the beginning of the end. They generally signal kidney/liver failure and there is no effective treatment.

Terribly sorry about it. I know it's very sad to lose a fishy friend. Best of luck to you.

what kind of a tank do you have him in now? size? other tank members? live plants? tell us anything you can

oxytetracycline hydrochloride is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. you may have some success, but it all depends on how quickly you begin treatment and how committed you are to treating the fish. also, stable water parameters and clean water are CRUCIAL.

you don't mention if these capsules are filled with powder or if they are a solid-type capsule. if there is powder inside, you will need to open the capsules and you can try one of two methods: mixing with food or adding to the water. if they are solid, you will need to grind them up to a powder.

mixing with food is more targeted and will treat the fish without killing off the bacteria in your filter, but is more difficult since you said your fish "hardly eats." if you want to try this method, you can mix a little cooking oil with the antibiotic, just enough to make a slurry. mix that with a good pelleted food and feed that to the fish. my trusty manual of fish health (has never steered me wrong) recommends a dosage of 60-75 mg per kg of fish, to be fed for 7-14 days.

probably an easier method of feeding medication is to find some Jungle Labs Medicated Anti-Bacterial food. it's a great product and also a broad-spectrum antibiotic. see here: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...cated Food&ref=3665&subref=AA&GCID=C12188x007

if you would rather mix the meds with the water, be aware that you will likely kill off all the bacteria in your filter and therefore the tank will start a new cycle. which means you will need to monitor your water parameters very closely. recommended dosage is 20 mg/liter of water (1 liter is 34 oz or .26 gal) for five days. if there is no improvement, do a 50% water change and repeat treatment.

this all, of course, assumes that your tank size is suitable, and the fish lives alone in the tank.

if you are really, really committed to keeping your fish alive, contact your local fish vet (if you don't have one, try finding one on aquavetmed.info ). the vet can draw off accumulated fluid in the fish's body cavity - this is what causes all the scales to stick out - to provide it some relief.

good luck.

The next step I'd say... keep the water really clean (daily w/c's) and just monitor your goldie's condition. (if there's anything I missed please post)

Dropsy is almost always a sign of sub par water quality. Aside from kidney failure, bacterial infection can also cause such symptoms. Adding epsom salt can also apparently alleviate your fish's suffering. Additionally, metromeds, a medicated food which can be purchased through goldfishconnection can often help with the recovery, though since it must be ordered and shipped, it may be too late. Either way, goldfishparadise.com is another great forum where you may be able to find some help treating your fish. Though dropsy is most often fatal, I personally have brought 3 fish back from the brink, and the key, beyond proper treatment, is absolutely pristine water quality. I suggest revamping your maintenance schedule asap lest any of your other fish begin to get sick.

Here's a good thread on dropsy for you to read as well:

http://www.goldfishparadise.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=31438&highlight=dropsy+salt