How to Treat Dropsy in Goldfish

The good news about goldfish dropsy or kidney bloat is that it's preventable. The bad news is that dropsy it can be lethal, but not always. Setting up a hospital tank and treating the afflicted fish as soon as possible can make the difference between life and death.

What Is Dropsy?

Dropsy is not a disease but a symptom of a myriad of health problems. It is doubtful whether dropsy is contagious, although author Gregory Skomal describes dropsy as "may be contagious" in his book Goldfish (John Wiley & Sons; 2007). The affected fish may sink or drop to the bottom of the tank or float on its side. The scales often stick out, making the poor goldfish resemble a fishy pinecone.

Dropsy seems to be caused by a combination of factors instead of just one pathogen or parasite. Poor water quality, poor diet and living in tanks with too many fish in it taxes a goldfish's natural resistance, especially if the goldfish is egg-shaped like a fantail, lionhead or ryukin. Placing the afflicted fish in a hospital tank can help get it the medication it needs and saves it from being harassed by any other fish.

The Hospital Tank

The hospital tank should be at least ten gallons large, but the fish needs to be able to fit in the tank so get as large a tank as possible. It needs a heater, thermometer to check the heat, an air stone and an air pump. Filtration is optional, but if a filter is not used, then the water needs to be changed every other day or more. A small hiding place for the goldfish like a piece of PVC pipe is also optional.

Ideally, the hospital tank needs to be in a warm, quiet room away from loud noises like a stereo so the fish can relax. If the hospital tank is brand new, add some of the fish's tank water to the hospital tank so as not to shock it. If the affected fish is a huge pond koi, then a brief antibiotic bath in a large bucket or tub will have to suffice. This bucket or tub should only be used for fish and never be touched by detergents or bleach.

Treatment

Now that the sick goldfish is in the hospital tank, it's time for the medication. There are two choices of medication. One is a broad-spectrum antibiotic made to treat any type of infection in freshwater fish. Add 250 milligrams for every gallon of water that the hospital tank has.

Another treatment is to use table salt - but NOT iodized salt. Add one tablespoon for every gallon of water the hospital tank holds. So, if the tank is ten gallons large, add ten teaspoons. Do this every 12 hours (morning and evening) for two days. By this time, the fish should improve. But if not, either switch to antibiotics or continue with one dose per 24 hours. At the end of two weeks, it will be sink or swim for the goldfish - literally.

Conclusion

Goldfish dropsy is one of the more heartbreaking diseases that goldfish can get. But if the aquarist keeps the water conditions good, does not overfeed and does not try to cram too many fish in a tank, dropsy should not appear. If it does, the fish needs to be isolated in a hospital tank and given a salt bath. Longer-bodied fish have a better recovery rate than egg-shaped fish. The fish may be prone to attacks for the rest of its life, but at least a hospital tank is ready to care for such conditions.

Sources

Skomal, Gregory. Goldfish: Your Happy Healthy Pet. John Wiley & Sons; 2007.

Brewster, Bernice and Nick Fletcher. Goldfish. Bow Tie Press; 2004.

Fish Channel. "Dreaded Dropsy." http://www.fishchannel.com/fish-health/disease-prevention/dreaded-dropsy.aspx