Joe Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 Hey everyone, Just noticed that my trifasciata female doesn't look 100%. She is slightly fattish and is excreting a fine, white slimy substance. She also has a slight pine coning of the scales. I googled dropsy in Apistogrammas and read on Apistogramma.com to treat with tetracycline which kills the bacteria, and metronidazole which kills protozoans. I have no idea what either of those medicines are, where to get them, how expensive they are, or what on earth protozoans are. I have API Pimafix and Melafix, and can get tonic salt from the pet store tomorrow and I'm pretty sure they also stock Furan-2 if that's any help. She is still active and came to the surface of the tank wanting to be fed when I entered the room just before. I also have a spare tank which I can move her to if it is necessary. Any help in saving this beautiful fish would be greatly appreciated Thanks, Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redracer77 Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 I have never had an apisto survive from dropsy, I have tried a lot of different medications incl metro and furan-2. Metro and tetracycline you will need to get from a vet. You need to medicate very early as soon as you notice any signs of dropsy. I'm sure Jen can provide some info on protozoans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunbird73 Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 protozoans are parasites generally, Ich is an example of a protozoa (tho there are many different ones). There are many things that can cause dropsy (as it just means swelling/fluid in the abdomen) but its my understanding that if its bacterial, then the bacteria that cause it were likely present in the tank anyway but its a change in the fish immunity/susceptibility (ie. changes caused by stress) that made her succumb to the bacteria. By the time the signs of dropsy are seen the infection would be huge as it has caused enough changes to damage the organs and cause the swelling. I would give the vet a call and see what they say about the meds, it might be more $$ than its worth (ie. only a small chance it will help). I doubt they would give you both meds at the same time tho. I think that Apisto's are particularly sensitive fish, and heartbreaking .... :tears: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 Dropsy is a sign that results from fluid retention caused by damage to the kidneys and can result from number of causes. By the time you see the swelling and pine coning of the scales it is too late. I have never seen a fish cured of dropsy and I always put them down rather than prolong the agony until death results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted December 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 Thanks for the info everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted December 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 Good news - she appears to be getting better. She's eating, the swelling has gone right down, and I haven't noticed any slimy excrement. I added some API Melafix yesterday before I posted on here because I wasn't sure if it would help or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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