Betta Frank - Bulging eye

Question
QUESTION: I am at a loss for what to do about Frank.  He is kept in a 5 gal. tank, ammonia & nitrates are at 0 still.  I have given him a blood worm flake food, but he will not eat it.

I wrote last week about his condition to ask for suggestions, and I have given him anti-bacterial medicated fish eat, and put a small heater in the tank to raise the temp to about 81 degrees, as suggested, but he is still getting worse.  

The white portion that was outlining his eye last week is now turning red and is getting more swollen.  I am doing what I can to make him comfortable, but now he will no longer eat so the medicated food has done nothing for him.  I am currently trying a round of Trisulfa treatment and it is not working either.  I am afraid that I am losing Frank.  What can I do to make him more comfortable?  Is he in pain?



ANSWER: Hi Rachelle,
He must be on Penicillin or Amoxicillin like I mentioned to you last week.   It is very difficult to know what caused popeye on Frank.  If you cannot find Penicillin, or Amoxicillin, try Maracyn, and Maracyn-two combined.  He is not in pain.  Fish don't usually eat when they are on medication.  Try one of the above medications, and change all of his water.
I really hope little Frank pulls through.  
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lynda,

I wanted to thank you for your help with Frank. I think that he is going to pull through.  The redness has completely disapated, and the eye is slowing decreasing in size.  

It is still quite large, but giving him the freeze dried blood worms seems to be making is much better since the rounds of medication. I am going to start him on another round on Monday. The Dallas North Aquarium where I found the meds suggested that I give him a few days break between rounds.

Frank is now happy and swimming.  No bubble nests yet, but I am sure he will get there.  Thank you so much. I know that he is just a fish, but he makes me smile. Thank you for giving my smile back to me.

Answer
Hi Rachelle,
I'm so happy to hear this, as I know how attached we are to our bettas.  We fall in love with them very quickly!
Vary his food, feed him daphnia one day, mealworms the next, glassworms the next, betta flakes the next, and betta pellets the next...the more you vary the healthier he will be.  Feeding him bloodworms all the time is not good for him.  He needs vitamins to get strong, just like we do, and he will find this in different foods.  Feed him small amounts 2/3 times a day.  Example" 2 pellets for one meal...2 flakes for one meal...and so on.
The fact that he is eating is a good sign.  
Thank you for letting me know how Frank is doing, and hoping he will continue to improve.
Lynda