Betta should live longer, hes floating vertical head up.

Question
QUESTION: I'm following up on the previous thread about my betta, we had decided to treat him with tetracyclene. Well it's been a few days and he's still propping himself up on the ornament I put in his isolation tank, it keeps him close to the surface so he doesnt have to struggle to get air. Remember we thought he has swim ballast disease, so he's heavy. Still no improvement but he has not gotten any worse. I cannot get him to eat peas, or likely anything at this point. He's been in the tetracyclene for 3-4 days now. Is there anything else I should do?

ANSWER: Hi Corey,
There could be many other things that caused your Betta to be sick.  I remember the fluctuating water, and poor water conditions.  It may have attacked his kidneys, internal organs, we do not know for sure.  He may have a bacterial infection, his organs may be attacked.  There is not much more you can do for him now except change all his water again.  Clean his tank, and add the medication again.  Treat him again for 3 more days, and if there is no improvement, change all his water again, and let him be in a nice clean tank with no medication.  When swim bladder isn't caught in time, it is very hard to cure, especially that he won't eat the pea.  I hope he pulls through, I wish I could see him, but the odds are against him.  One good thing is that he hasn't gotten worse, so maybe with another treatment of tetracycline, he might pull through.  I sure hope so, poor little guy.
Lynda

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

QUESTION: Ok you said something about maybe castor oil on some of his food? I would like to try that as he is likely starving. realistically he still has a day left of the tetracyclene treatment so if castor oil works I can put him in his new condo. if he won't eat it, then I know he's not going to make it cause he'll simply starve. So are there any details about what food to use, and what's castor oil anyhow where do I find that? How do I treat his food with it?

ANSWER: Hi Corey,
Use any food he likes, flakes, or bloodworms or daphnia, and dip them in castor oil.  You will find this at the drug store, in the laxative section.  If he will eat it, that would be good.  A betta can go for 10 days without eating, after this period he is getting weaker, and weaker.  He must eat, but then if he is constipated, food is making him worse.  We are in a rut.   After you have tried the castor oil, and if he refuses to eat, change all his water, and let him be.  Maybe clean water now would help him.  It is so sad to see a sick betta, especially when we are doing everything to help him, and he doesn't respond.  If he gets any worse, after he is in a clean tank, it would be better to euthanize him, and take him out of his misery.  If you see that his eyes are darkened, sunken in, or have no life, this is also a bad sign.  Try the castor oil, and I will keep my fingers crossed, and maybe in clean water he will start eating again.  Most fish do not eat in medication.  See if he will eat in clean water without medication.  Give him a day to see.
Let me know what happens.
Lynda

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

QUESTION: Well he didn't have a day, unfortunately he died last night. But we tried our best. I'm not sure if you get my comments on the ratings page but thanks for helping. Since I'm supposed to ask a follow up I'll ask a silly question. I gave marcus (the betta, named after marcus auralius) a burial in a flower bed because that helps the flowers and seems more respectful to him, but what do people usually do with thier fish that have died?

Answer
Hi!
I know I bury mine where my flowers are too.  To me fish, are so intelligent, especially the betta!  So little, and so clever!  I just couldn't throw them away.   I know some people will flush them, but I couldn't do that, and I don't think you could either.  Just remember that you did everything you possibly could for him, and now he has gone to the big aquarium in the sky, and is happy once more.
Take care
Lynda