swollen beta fish

Question
We have had Little Blue since April.  He lives in a 1 or 1 1/2 gallon tank, no filtration system, but we change it once a week.  Everything has been fine until this morning when I went to feed him.  He was swollen like a blow fish.  Today is the day I change his water so I took him out and put him in a cup, he is still in the cup.  I put a little stress coat in there. I also have another beta at work that is 2 years old.  He is having trouble striking food.  He, Barney, has no signs of pop eye, rot, or slime, and his color is vivid.  He just misses his food alot or shows no interest.  This has been going on since Easter, but I thought he was just getting old.

Thanks,
Jennifer  

Answer
Hi Jennifer;

Little Blue could be constipated. Here are web pages about what to do for him;

http://www.mushi.petfish.net/constipation.html
http://www.healthybetta.com/articles/Illness%20Diagonsis/constipation.html

I think Barney is probably just old. Poor fella. Bettas lifespan is 2 to 3 years and they are already a year old when we buy them. He may be going blind too. Keep him as warm as possible to help his metabolism. You've done a great job caring for him. It just may be "his time"......

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins