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Re: Strange Deaths
That sounds an awful lot like dropsy to me.* If that is the case, its a condition caused by a secondary nature - such as a bacterial infection.* The kidneys become infected which cause the fish to not be able to release toxins from its system.* The body starts to balloon and will eventually "explode" through their abdomen.* Dropsy itself is not contagious, but if it is caused by an internal infection, the bacteria can infect other fish and make the 'condition' contagious.*
Medications like Metronidazole (Emtryl), and Clout are usually your best chance at fighting Dropsy (or Bloat as it is sometimes called.)* Interpret #9 Anti-Bacterial or Octizon can be used to treat the infection as well if you can't find the first two.* You can also do salt baths with the fish to help release the toxins.* Add 2 Tbs. per gallon of water (same temp and parameters of course) and let the fish swim in it for no more than 30 minutes one to two times per day.* Remove them at the first sign of stress.* This creates a diuretic effect.* If caught early enough, you can cure the infection before organ damage occurs.* Once the kidneys have been affected, the fish usually will not recuperate well, but can soetimes survive.* If they shut down completely, they will die.
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