Beta fishs problem

Question
Our beta fish is almost 3 yrs. old, who lives alone lives in an 8 in fish bowl in which my daughter cleans weekly. She uses Chlorout drops to remove the chlorine.  Scarlet has developed a bulging eye, which looks like a bubble on his eye. We are wondering if you've ever seen this before.  He also appears to be losing his color!
He is also not as active as before!  I think the poor little fellow is just aging!  Any idea how old he is in "beta years?" My soon-to-be 14 year old is very attached to this fish,so any information you have is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!  Crystal

Answer
Hi Crystal;

Bettas are six months to a year when we buy them and live to be 2 to 3 years, so Scarlet is a very old fish indeed. You have a done a great job in caring for him for so long. Most of these little fellas don't make it half that time.

What you could try is an antibiotic for him. Get "Maracyn 2" by Mardel. It absorbs inside the fish to treat infections. It will help if it is an infection. If it turns out to be a tumor or something, there isn't much more you can do. Just keep him as comfy as possible, maybe with changing water twice a week and keeping him in a warmer place. They really like that.

Scarlet has lived a very good life. I hope your daughter can find comfort in that.....

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins