Dropsy - HELP!

[kathy29]

I have a betta whose stomach has suddenly bloated a lot in a matter of hours - it looks like he swallowed a marble. I know there isn't any real cures for this symptom but is there anything I can do to help his chances of surviving?

I heard that adding Epsom salt will help - what is it and where can I buy it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jennypenny]

Are you sure it is dropys? Does the fish have the typical pincone look to it?

 

[suby7272]

Kathy

Bettas tend to overeat and easily develop the swollen appearance. This is absolutely normal *unless* you notice the pinecone texture on them as put by jenny. And this can be best noticed when seen from top.
And, if this turns out to be Dropsy - very sorry to say, there are no known ways/meds to cure this. I have lost a Denisonii to this. Dropsy usually is an indication of Kidney failure in fish, leading to excess water accumulation in their body, thereby causing the scales to protude.

All the best

Suby