Euthanize?

Hey guys- I've been treating one of my bettas for a couple of days, but today he started pineconing... so it looks like he has dropsy. Sadly, I think the stress of moving him to my new apartment was too much. I wasn't sure what the issue was at first (just lethargy and some heavier breathing, so I started EM medication in case of bacterial infection from the stress), but now that he is showing signs of dropsy (so he likely does have that bacterial infection...), I'm looking at my options. I have never had a fish with dropsy personally, but if any of you have- did you euthanize? When and how? I know clove oil is an option, but are there others? I do not want him to suffer, and now that he has dropsy, he is very likely to pass anyways... I will certainly continue medication for a few more days, but just in case.
Any advice or personal experiences would be appreciated. Thank you.
A few details for background-
His tank is at 81 degrees
I am treating with erythromycin (EM) and aquarium salt
He has indian almond leaf already in the tank
The tank also has a couple of dwarf shrimp, live plants (which are going to struggle from the meds and salt lol), and some snails that hitched a ride on the plants
He's in a 5 gal fluval spec

 

I don't know about euthanizing, but 5 gallons seems a little too small for both the betta and the inverts. That might be stressing him out, which can certainly lead to disease. I'd take the inverts out and see how it progresses.

 

Hi,

So sorry your betta is ill!

I do hope that the meds begin to work, and that your betta gets better!

I have had bettas with dropsy. I made the decision to euthanize when I saw them really struggling to breath. At that point, I don't think that there is any hope for recovery.

I use clove oil. I have done research, and all other methods seem more cruel, at least, that is my opinion. Clove oil is usually easy to find. Pharmacies and any store that sells essential oils should have some.

This is what I did when I put my poor sick bettas down. Put the betta into a container that you are willing to throw away. Don't fill the continer full of water; you will need room to add the clove oil mixture to it. Put some water into a disposable water bottle. Fill the bottle up about half way with water (I am talking about one of those 16 oz plastice bottles). Add about 4 or 5 drops, and shake it really well. Then start adding that mixture to the container. The betta will react to it at first. Then, if you need to add a few more drops to the actual container, you can do so. Leave the betta in the solution for a good 10 to 15 minutes. That should be enough time.

I am so, so sorry about your poor baby!!!!

 

Hi,

So sorry your betta is ill!

I do hope that the meds begin to work, and that your betta gets better!

I have had bettas with dropsy. I made the decision to euthanize when I saw them really struggling to breath. At that point, I don't think that there is any hope for recovery.

I use clove oil. I have done research, and all other methods seem more cruel, at least, that is my opinion. Clove oil is usually easy to find. Pharmacies and any store that sells essential oils should have some.

This is what I did when I put my poor sick bettas down. Put the betta into a container that you are willing to throw away. Don't fill the continer full of water; you will need room to add the clove oil mixture to it. Put some water into a disposable water bottle. Fill the bottle up about half way with water (I am talking about one of those 16 oz plastice bottles). Add about 4 or 5 drops, and shake it really well. Then start adding that mixture to the container. The betta will react to it at first. Then, if you need to add a few more drops to the actual container, you can do so. Leave the betta in the solution for a good 10 to 15 minutes. That should be enough time.

I am so, so sorry about your poor baby!!!!

Thank you so much- your response was super informative and helpful! Sadly, my betta passed away last night- no euthanasia necessary I really appreciate the advice and although I will hopefully never need it, I'm glad to have this info in my back pocket!

 

So very sorry for your loss!!!!!