Betta has large lump!

Question
My female Betta has had a large lump on one side - similar to the one shown to you last month in the photo.  She seems pretty normal for the most part other than the lump - which is getting bigger and almost looks like it will burst!  The scales were raised at first but now, after almost two months, it looks like they have just fallen off.  

I've had her for a year and a half and she's still pretty active and still eating, although I've been medicating her now for almost two months.  I've tried three different medications: one from fish store (they didn't tell me what it was but it didn't work), tetracycline and she's now on her second round of maracyn-two.  I've also started adding aquarium salt to her water when I change it once or twice per week.  She seems better when she's on the medication but as soon as I stop, she gets worse - pale and a bit more lethargic.  I've searched all over the internet and no one seems to know what to do...any suggestions other than the epsom salt - which I will try.  (I've already tried the fasting thing.)  The temperature of her water has been about 80 degrees.  I think you should be able to see the photos here:  http://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bettadv3.jpg or <a href="http://img247.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bettadv3.jpg">here</a>

Lastly, if she is just slowly dying, do you recommend any forms of euthanasia where she would not suffer too much?

Thank you so much for your time!

Chandra

Answer
Hello Chandra-

Thankfully, the lump you're looking at seems like more of a tumor than dropsy (which shows on both sides of the fish and is almost always fatal and kills very quickly.)

My 4 year old male, Paddles, has a tumor slightly smaller than that on the same side of his body, which he's had for 2 months now. Here's what I do for him to make him as comfortable as possible:

1.) Keep the water a constant 80-82 F. No drafts.

2.) Change 25% of the water weekly, using dechlorinated water treated with TetraSafe.

3.) Add a half-dose of aquarium salt per water change.

4.) Add a full dose of Melafix per water change.

5.) Keep live plants in the tank (If you decide to introduce a plant, try a Java fern - this step is not necessary.)

6.) Don't treat with medications unless the fish stops eating/becomes very lethargic. It's normal to see your fish resting on the bottom, but she should swim up to greet you. Paddles rests a lot since the tumor makes it hard for him to move, but he always swims over to me when he sees me.

So, for this step, you'll want to start slowly phasing out the meds you're using on your fish. Sometimes they do better in plain, un-medicated water. Do a 75% dose for 2 days, then a 50% dose, then a 25%, and so on until you've stopped the meds. If there's a drastic relapse in behavior, resume the meds at full dose.

7.) Feed ONCE daily, and feed 4-5 pellets. Fast once per week.

8.) Stimulate her by showing her a mirror and having her follow your finger. Keep her active so she gets her blood pumping to all parts of her body.

9.) Try feeding a skinned pea once a week to help her digestion.

10.) Try to eliminate stress to keep her immune system up.

Sometimes a betta will "scratch off" the tumor, leaving an open wound that will scab over with white scales, so don't be shocked if the tumor disappears. Hope this helps,
-Amber Worman