Dragon Scale Betta With Tumor

So I didn't know Dragon Scale bettas were prone to scale tumors when I first got my buddy, but I was rather curious about a little white spot behind his gill flap when I first got him. It didn't look like ick or anything and it was only one spot so I just chalked it up to a weird deformation of his scales but it has slowly been growing larger. What started off as a speck is now a medium sized white, bumpy, mass of fish flesh under his scales. I sort of had a feeling it was going to be a tumor when I saw it but now I can pretty much confirm it's a tumor.

I'm not really sure what to do, he's healthy otherwise, he's active, he's eating, his colors are good. It does appear like his eye may one day become diamond since the scales are slowly creeping over his eye (seriously, last time I get a dragon scale, too many health risks. Think I'm going to stick with plakat males and females from now on to avoid fin biting and other issues).

About two weeks ago I noticed severe fin biting (I can tell it's not rot because the edges are clean and look like perfect bite size chunks missing) and started treating his tank with a some almond leaf tannins and a pinch of aquarium salt. I also reduced his light and moved his decorations around to make sure he wasn't bored and it appears to help with his stress levels and he doesn't nip as often but he still does once in a while. I am pretty positive he's stressed from the tumor since his tank is pristine water conditions, PH is perfect, I clean the tank really well weekly and he's not showing any signs of illness, just stress.

This week I noticed he started a new habit. I noticed it when we were playing a little flaring game like he usually does and right after he flared he started flashing against the plants and decor on one side of his body (I'm assuming that stretching his gill flap on that side agitated the tumor since it's really close to his gills). Today I realized he's constantly flashing and rubbing his tumor spot on everything. I think it's really painful or annoying for him since it's much bigger. What should I do? I love my buddy but if he's suffering I'm willing to also euthanize him if necessary. Do you think it's a minor annoyance in his side and he'll live just fine until it gets too big or should I end the poor little guy's suffering? I'd love to have him around more but I couldn't imagine living with a painful tumor that stresses me out to the point where I'm constantly darting around the tank in discomfort either. Is there anything I can do?

Thanks in advance, any recommendations would be great. I'd try anything if it meant it would ease any discomfort.

 

If it's really a tumor, short of taking him to an aquatic vet to have it removed, there is nothing you can do. If it were up to me, I would let him live out his days and if he gets to the point where he's not eating, euthanize.

 

If it's really a tumor, short of taking him to an aquatic vet to have it removed, there is nothing you can do. If it were up to me, I would let him live out his days and if he gets to the point where he's not eating, euthanize.

That's unfortunate :/ Well thank you for the advice. I guess I'll just have to keep an eye on him and make sure he eats. Thanks again!

 

One thing you can try is a few mild baths. Epsom salt will help relieve any swelling. Meth blue will help oxygenate tissue and help it regrow.

 

Indian almond leaves are good, same with aquarium salt in low doses.

 

Indian almond leaves are good, same with aquarium salt in low doses.

Aquarium salt would increase swelling, and it causes epithelial irritation.

 

Aquarium salt would increase swelling, and it causes epithelial irritation.

Oh I’m sorry