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I know, I know. . . the hospital is for sick fish. But really I'm looking for more betta-specific info. My sister's betta has a horribly round bulging belly. I've been doing all of what normally works for constipation for the past 5 days with no luck. I fed a pea, fasted for 3 days, fed another pea 2 days ago with no improvement so far. He hasn't passed anything that I've seen. He's not lethargic, no pineconing of his scales and he's still very hungry. He seems pretty much healthy other than the big belly.

I'm really looking for more expert help. Like I said I've tried fasting and peas. I'm also using melafix and salt for a torn fin. I'm not sure how long he's been like this. He's my sister's fish and I just came home to him last Friday.

I must warn you it's a little disturbing but here's a pic:
trystianity attached this image:
[img]http://www.fishprofiles.net/attachments/409263.jpg"]

and another pic. . . . so what's my next step?

Epsom Salts? Parasite Clear maybe? or just be patient?
trystianity attached this image:
[img]http://www.fishprofiles.net/attachments/409269.jpg"]

Wow thats a huge belly!

I've never had anything like that before so I can't be of much help...Maybe hes got a tumor or something? Cus 5 days of no feeding and peas should have done something...Some else will probably know

ashley

This actually happened to my last betta, and I took all the same steps that you did. The condition did not improve, but he seemed no worse for wear, only a slight hampering of his swimming. I even went so far as to have my parents talk to the local college icthyologist.

He carried the bulging belly for the rest of his life, which was a little over 2 years after he developed the belly. He succumbed to a case of fungus that I believe was totally unrelated.

I never did quite figure out what it was, but he didn't seem to be terribly bothered by it.

Joe Potato

I have had mine do this as well with no ill effects I am unsure as to what the exact problem is, but I do know that bettas have a very digestional tract and so this seems to be a reason for it according to my source on bettas ( you know who I am reffering to Tryst ) I dunno but as long as it happy I dont think it causes any problems IME. But I don't exactly what the cause of it is for sure. Sounds like you have tried all the steps with the exception of one... maybe try some medicated food and see what happens if you are worried about it. Good luck and let me know if the medicated food works if you go that route.

This is what happened with my Betta I didn't have any success with treatment good luck, Steve

If I may add my two cents' worth...

It is often very hard to know why dropsy occurs. Dropsy is the swelling of the fish. In this case I'd say could be a tumor, internal parasite, deformity, or who knows. You can just pick a treatment and try it and hope for the best, and try to help the fish live happily until he either gets better or has no quality of life left. Epson salt may help, it wouldn't hurt to try, as well as fasting the fish more often than feeding it during this time. If it's not constipated or affected by SBD at least it would keep from adding even more pressure on whatever's going on in there. It could be a fluid-filling tumor that could be drained, then again it may not be so it would be risky and scary to try it, though it has helped one of my fish before.