Betta has new chest/stomach bulge

Question
Hi Chris,

My betta, Punchy, whom I have had for 2 years, has developed a rather large bulge on his chest, protruding out to the sides, and down, just where his small fins are, then the rest of his body seems fine.  He is swimming normally most of the time, sometime a bit off-kilter, and eating fine.  But this developed in a matter of days, and he has had it for over a week.  I even fasted him for a couple days, thinking it could be constipation, but it is still there.  Any idea what this is or what I should do?  He is in a large fish bowl (10 inch diameter), by himself.  I just use freshwater and add water conditioniong tabs when I change it.  I feed him Hikari Betta Bio Gold (the only food he will eat) and tried freeze dried blood worms to change it up, but he won't eat those.  (He is a very picky eater.)  Any chance you can help me?  Thanks! Jenn

Answer
Hi Jennifer;

He may have an internal infection of some kind. You could try some Maracyn 2. It absorbs inside the fish. Below is a link to a page with info on treating small tanks with medicine too. Most fish medicine product dosages are aimed at tanks 10 gallons and larger;

http://www.healthybetta.com/easymeds.html

I hope he feels better.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins