My 3 year old Goldfish may be dying

Question
Hello,

I have a 50 gallon tank, that has housed 11 1-2 pound goldfish for 3 years. I lost only 1 to date, and that was when they were brought in 3 years back. It seems that 1 of them may be sick, because it's stomache has expanded, and his gills seem stretched out. I have called att the Vet service clinics in my area (Montreal, Canada), and they do now know what to do, so I am writing you in despair that I will lose my fish friend. I change the water weekly, and use products recommended to me three years ago, to keep the tank and its water as clean as possible. That seem to have been working, but I just don't know what to do now.

PLEASE HELP!!!

Thank you a ton in advance,

Stacey Haberkorn - avid fish lover

Answer
Hi Stacey;

It sounds like dropsy. Dropsy isn't a disease in itself, but is a symptom of something else. Fluid buildup in the body of the fish causes swelling and the scales and gills protrude. Usually it is from organ failure. Once they start showing body swelling it is usually too late to save them. I wish I had more encouraging news for you about it.  

You can try using antibiotics in case it is from a bacterial infection, but in larger fish like him they have to be injected. I don't know how to do that or what doses to give. One of the vets in your area may be able to help once they have the information on it. Here is a web site by a fish vet that may help you;

http://www.koivet.com/html/articles/articles_details.php?article_id=249

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

Come on over and join us on the freshwater fish forum at About.com to get even more information too;
http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/questionsanswers/a/naavigateforum.htm

My member name is ChrisR62. See You There!