Dropsy in fish

Dropsy is a condition in fish caused by the buildup of fluid inside the body cavity or tissues.

Poor water quality, viral infections, sudden changes in water conditions and a prolonged period of stress that may compromise the fish’s immune system may all trigger said symptoms.

By the time a disorder reaches the point of causing dropsy, it can often be fatal and at the very least the fish is very ill and requires immediate quarantine and treatment.

However, it is standard practice to quarantine sick fish to prevent spreading the underlying cause to the other fish in the tank community in case the disease causing dropsy is contagious.

Antibiotics may destroy or weaken the pathogen if it is bacterial so that the immune system of the fish is capable of overcoming the underlying disease.