Red1313

Hey all, rember how a little before christmas I posted about Ray having A strange swelling in his gill? Well after a dose of meds and a fair bit of time... It's still there.
I can't tell if it's gotten worse or not.
Here is 1 before pic followed by 2 pics taken tonight.

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Lucy

Awwwww, little Ray. He's adorable.

Can you get a look, maybe there's a growth inside?

Red1313

Ok Lucy, I just tried to get him to flare, he did for a few minuets, and while I couldn't get a look at the back of his gill he can't flare his gill out as far on that side or hold it out very well. The other side is normal (Ray's my champion Gill flarer, no-one else can get them to flare as big as he can)... poor baby.

Lucy

This is just a guess, but can a betta strain his gill that way? Like we pull a muscle?
Sorry Red, I know that's a stretch.

Red1313

It's ok. I'm at my wits end. His gill is his only symptom as far as I can see. So I'm out of ideas of what could be causing it...

Lucy

What meds did you treat him with?
I'm searching, the only thing I'm coming up with that could be close is a tumor or gill disease.

Red1313

Tetracycline

Lucy

Ok, I see treats gill disease. Is that what you suspect it is?
Maracyn 2, TriSulfa, CopperSafe or Maracide treat gill disease also.

I'm sorry I can't help further but Cami and I are sending good betta vibes to you and Ray.

Red1313

Thanks Lucy.
I'll keep researching.

pinkfloydpuffer

That's crazy...
I mean, I've seen a betta or two at the store in deathcups that had a swollen gill like that, but it was obviously from the ammonia and such...
That's really a puzzler

pamd

Here's the other thread. I had a bit of difficulty finding it, too.

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/be...amed-gill.html

I know you said your water is fine, but what exactly is the nitrate reading? A possible cause for one or both gills becoming inflamed is nitrate poisoning.

Does the swollen gill look red? Does his respiration seem normal, or does he appear to be gasping?

I still suggest considering Maracyn 2 and/or Maracyn, in case it's caused by a bacterial infection, which also could have caused his fin rot problem since both seemed to happen around the same time. Also consider Tri Sulfa or Triple Sulfa. These meds are not to be taken lightly and should be used in Red's case only when you're almost sure the problem is bacterial infection. Since you're researching, you know to use any of these medications cautiously, and I want to be clear that I'm only taking a guess here.

I'm thinking of you, Ray and your love for him, and sympathetic with your frustration. Best of luck with lovely little Ray, Red.

Martinismommy

I've never seen anything like this...Poor little fellow.......I'd try Tri-sulpha...I've used it with good results in the past...I treat most of my problems now with Indian Almond leaves which are an all natural alternative to antibiotics if you are able to locate any that would be my 1st choice...

BettasfortheBabe

I've read that betta's can be prone to tumors, despite all the loving care, medications, and pristine water conditions that all of us here at fish lore keep our guys and gal's in. As you have mentioned that you have been treating him, and to no avail, could this be a tumor? Unless you ordered this guy through a responsible breeder that you are familiar with, who knows what could be lurking in his genetic code. All of my betta's are from the LSF, so I have always prepared myself for anything to go wrong at any time, since I have NO idea where they are from, where they have been , and if those that raised them did so responsibly and with their health in mind.

If it were a bacterial infection, or something more that may have been initially caused by a bacterial infection, you would have seen an improvement or decline in his health and general well being/personality.

I hate to suggest bad news, but it is really the only thing I can find that looks even remotely like what your fish displays on his gill.

Could he have come that way and its just a quirk, and you never noticed before?

Amanda

I've lost 2 bettas to tumors, but the tumors were under them - in the "chest" area. Neither one was actually on the gill.

Jess

Does he have any tiny red like threads hanging from his anus? Camallanus worms? They will cause them to distort like that. (I really hope its not that!)

Red1313

nope no threads. and I've considered the tumor angle (if that's what it is it's not going to be going anywhere)
Sorry for not updateing I've been busy trying to find a nitrate test (getting around in -40*C is no fun without a car). However I'm doubtful that's the problem since he gets a 50% water change once a week and all his other readings (ammonia and nitrite) are 0. I finally found a kit so I'll do a test tonight and let you guys know the results of that.
I think that the only indian almond leaves that I'll be able to find would be off of aquabid.
Thanks for you're concern everyone. I'll keep you updated.