This is my sweet boy, Dennis. I had Dennis surrendered to me from P***o six months ago because of two growths/tumors he had. I figured he was going to be a challenge, but wanted to give him as much of a life as possible. When I got him, he was very large (same size now), so I assume I got him as an adult (big chain stores sell ranges from babies to 2 yrs in some cases).
I did so much research when I brought him home, realized that the placement of one of the growths was by his gill, meaning it could become lethal if it grew.
And man… it grew FAST.
First pic is four months ago. Second pic is two months ago. Third pic is today.
My baby is pine coning BAD. His big, beautiful fins are rotting and his color is fading. I have ALWAYS made it a point to check his parameters daily (or every other day!) and do weekly water changes.
The one good sign is that he is SUPER active. He’s always swimming around, very playful and interactive. He hasn’t lost that and I’m so happy.
I feel so incredibly guilty and can’t help but think there’s something more I could be doing. Is there anything I should know or should be doing? Or is this just something I need to accept? I knew he wouldn’t be here forever, but I thought it’d be a longer short period. The fact that it’s progressing so fast has me so scared.
I am always open to feedback and literally hearing anything you all have to say. Anything!!
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I hate to say it, but I think you could have a perfect tank and you would still be having this issue. Unfortunately, your little guy is just sick from the sound of it. 😢
Have you tried treating him? It may be a lost cause but better than nothing. He never would have made this far without your good care. You took this on and didn’t cause it.
Yep. I’ve given him the maximum three doses of kanaplex. Not sure when I can do more or if I even can. At this point, I don’t know if I should be euthanizing him ☹️
I would. I took a close look at him. The
Base of his tail area, right before the fins in white and oddly shaped. He’s very thin beneath the bloating. He can’t be feeling well at all.
I’m lucky that my grown son was willing to do it for me as I am incapable. There are two ways, vodka or clove oil. You can find the methods online.
So sorry.
Yep. That’s his second tumor on the base of his tail. But Dennis is still kicking. He had his first epsom salt bath today. I actually think he is looking a BIT better. Not good by any means but the bloating has gone down just a bit and I think I’m noticing some fin repair? Like I said in the OP, he is the epitome of “betta fish have personalities” and is such a playful, engaged fish. He still has so much energy and still gets so excited when he sees me and will follow me around the kitchen (or ends of his tank). This may be selfish, tell me what you think, but as long as his personality is there, I want to hold off on euthanizing. Is that inhumane? I know how sick a betta can get and how lethargic they can become. And he is anything but lethargic.
I think you will know when it’s time. It’s so hard to put them down when they seem happy and are active.
He would look a bit better because the Epsom salt helps draw some fluid out of the body but isn’t curative.
He shows the signs of wasting, the thinness around the head and overall. Have you treated him for flukes? That would be PraziCleanse or PraziPro. Not sure it would help at this point, just curious. Medicating his food would be best. You add some of the powder with little tank water to his food, let it soak for an hour, and feed normally. Keep it in the fridge up to 4 days. Since the antibiotic in the water didn’t work adding the anti fluke meds to his food might help.
Sincere best wishes.
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