What is wrong with my betta?

Question
My 7 yr old daughter has had this betta fish for about a year and a half. About five days ago his belly swelled and he has what looks like cotton on the underside of his belly. He lays mostly head first at the bottom of his bowl and he will not eat. I have changed his water, treated with epsome salt and quick cure.  Is there any hope?  I worry that he is suffering. What should I do.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
Hello Leslie-

The cottony stuff is most likely Columnaris, which can be treated. On the other hand, the bloated belly sounds a lot like dropsy, which is, unfortunately, fatal in fish once it develops.

You were right to change the water, and it was even better of you to treat with Epsom salts (as these help to reduce swelling.) Only add one dose of salts per water change; so next time you empty the tank, you'll need to re-dose the salt. I would recommend changing the water every other day, unless it stresses the fish.

As a continuing treatment, I would recommend a strong antibiotic, like Kanacyn. This will kill the Columnaris infection, and two or three people have reported curing dropsy with it as well. I can't guarantee anything, however, as treatment for dropsy usually involves prolonging the inevitable. :(

Hope this is useful, and I wish you luck.
-Amber worman