Treatment vs euthanasia

At what point is it just cruel to keep trying to treat dropsy? My male molly has dropsy and is pineconing quite bad. His belly looks as though he has actually lost scales and has clear blisters on his belly. He is swimming upright and in control and eats. It just looks so painful. I will continue to treat in hopes he can pull through but I am worried that I am just making him suffer.

 

How long has he had dropsy?

 

If he’s eating he’s probably not suffering too much yet. Poor little guy.

 

How long has he had dropsy?

I just really noticed it today. The tank is heavily planted and he had been hiding for a few days. As of right now he is still eating and upright so I would like to hold out hope. I just read so many things that said it's pretty much a death sentence. I don't want him to suffer.

 

He's in worse shape than my betta was when he died of dropsy; my betta was still eating right before death too. It really comes down to, even if the fish survives, does it have damage that will affect its quality of life? And, how long will it take to recover. If you are emotionally attached, then just try your best. If not, look at it objectively about how likely the fish is to make a full recovery.

 

I think it’s a decision you have to make. Sorry.

 

Stop using liquid carbon if you're using it.

If it's due to a bacterial infection, which seems kind of likely in your case, ciprofloxacin is the best OTC option.

Or go to UC Davis veterinary hospital.

 

Update:
He is still alive in a hospital tank. I have him in with a heater and gets water changes daily. (His water comes from his home tank) he is getting medicated with kannaplex as recommended by my lfs. He ate a little today but not much. He swims well but appears to be irritated. He wont stop swimming around the parameters of gis hospital tank. He still is pineconed though the blister looking things on his stomach appear to be shrinking.