I think Im losing my best buddy

Question
I've had my best buddy for two years and four months.  I've had him in a 1.5 gallon aquarium and changed his water using distilled water about two times a month.  I don't have any filter or heater.  

He's always been a good eater, especially when the weather gets hotter.  I've only fed him Betta Gold pellets because he wouldn't eat anything else.  I fed him about 6 pellets in the morning and at night.  He'd eat only what he wanted.

Several days ago I noticed his bloated belly.  His scales were not pointed out, so I tried fasting him for a day.  Then I tried a cooked pea, which he ate a small piece but wouldn't take any more.  I then tried Epson salt and his belly didn't deflate, but I saw his scales starting to point out.  I quickly went to a pet store and the owner told me to use spring water because it has minerals and to try Betta Revive, not the dropsy med.  I noticed he tore his side from the bride in his home, so I put him in a smaller vase with spring water, put a betta revive drop in the water and he still hasn't eaten in about 4 days.  He swims real hard to get air and then proceeds to the bottom.  I just changed his water again and put some Epson salt to help with his pain and another drop of betta revive.

I think I'm losing him and I can't imagine my life without him.  I want to save my little fellow Moe as he's given me so much joy and sanity the past two years and four months.  

What else can I do for him?  What are your thoughts?  I see that he's lost some of  his beautiful fin and cannot bare to see him like this anymore.

1) I think I know that answer, but how can I save him????
2) If you don't think my wonderful Moe can be saved (this kills me to think), then how can I make him comfortable?


Thanks so much for your help.

Melanie

Answer
Hi Melanie:  I am sorry that your Moe is sick.  It sounds like to me that he has dropsy which is almost always fatal.  If you can I would try to treat him with the dropsy medication though I offer this to you with not much hope in my heart that it will work.  I have been where you are now with loved pets that are gravely ill and I don't have a lot to tell you except that sometimes we have to make very difficult decisions with our loved pets.  If this were my friend I would try the medication and if he didn't get better within a day then I would put him down.  There is a medication called FINQUIL that you can use to put him to sleep.  It is a very gentle process that does not cause him any stress or pain. It is also fast acting and recommended by PETA for putting down fish.  I wish you and moe the best... and please keep me informed.  Most pet stores should have Finquil if you need it.  Again... I feel for you... dave