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Hi P,

Dropsy is a condition, not really a disease. It can be caused by bacteria, but it can be caused by any number of things that can happen within a fishes body too. Old age, bacterial or viral infection, parasites, biochemical issues, and I would imagine a bad pregnancy. Water quality issues can bring it on too.

It basically means that the fish is unable to eliminate water from its body. Either the heart or kidneys, or both, are no longer functioning properly to move water out.

I would keep the fish in very clean water, but just know that prognosis with Dropsy is not very good at all. But, some fish pull through. It is wise to use some kind of antibiotic after water quality is addressed. Ammonia and Nitrite should be zero and nitrates below 20ppm.

If you have antibiotic, try to figure out how much you would need to use in such a small bucket. If you have a tablet like Fungus Clear, just keep cutting it in half and in half again until you get all the way down to the size you need. If it is a capsule, it is more complicated.

Not surprising P. So sorry. R.I.P. Platy

I'm glad she didn't hang on too long if she was destined to pass. They can hang on for a week or more like that.