Fantail has bulge on one side

Question
Hi, Thank you for your quick response.  I tried the peas and everyone BUT Benji seems to like them.  He takes them in his mouth then spits them out.  Is there any other fiber rich food I could try that he might find more to his liking?  Or do you think that after three days of nothing but peas he will find them suddenly very appealing?Thanks again, Kris
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Followup To

Question -
Hi, I just noticed, (yesterday) that my fantail, Benji, was moving a little more slowly than usual and upon closer examination found an area just behind his left gill that is swollen with raised scales.  It is quite obvious, actually.  The right side appears to be normal.  I don't see any ulcer or sign of external trauma.  He is eating vigorously.  He lives in a 2500 gallon pond with 18 other koi and goldfish, the largest of which is about 10" in length.  The ph is at about 8, no nitrites or ammonia and salt level is just a little bit low.  From everything I've read about Dropsy, it seems that the swelling is uniform over the whole body.  His is clearly only on one side and not in what would be considered the "abdomen".  Any idea what it could be and how to treat.  Losing him would break my heart.
Thanks, Kris

Answer -
Hello Kris-

This does sound a little like dropsy, except that the swelling is only to one side. Also, you say Benji is eating healthily, which is not usually seen in dropsy fish.

The location you are describing could be the liver, heart, or stomach. The simplest explanation is that Benji is eating too much, and has developed a blockage in his stomach. This is common in fish, and the easiest treatment is to feed the affected fish peas. The fiber helps clean out their system, and will usually resolve any digestive problems. A more complicated problem would be an enlarged liver, which would be almost impossible to treat.

So, I would try feeding him peas for 2 or 3 days, while withholding his regular food. The peas won't hurt the others, in case you can't isolate Benji.

Hope you see some improvement.
-Amber Worman

Answer
Hello again Kris-

You can try rolling the peas in garlic powder (sounds strange, but it is an appetite stimulant for most picky fish.) This may get him to eat the peas, but if it doesn't work, you can try cooked beans or even whole-wheat cereal or bread crusts.

You can opt for whichever option you'd like, as fish can go at least a week without food before showing ill effects.

Hope this is helpful!
-Amber Worman