dropsy?

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have a 55 gal. tank with 12 white cloud minnows, and 5 regular goldfish and 3 little shubunkins...my biggest goldfish about 4 inches is bloated and scales sticking out, couple even looking like clear sacks hanging from him...been like this few weeks now, and he swims slowly...and today one little guy has a little bulge on his side...is this dropsy...what do I do...my water tests are normal, except ph is 8.4 from our tap water...I change water every 3 weeks 50% using very cold (it's winter here) tap water.  Feed flakes 2x daily.  What caused this and what do I do now?
Thanks
Lori

ANSWER: hi Lori:  that sounds very  much like dropsy.  Try to feed the bloated fish frozen (thawed) peas as this helps them to go poop.  Dropsy can be caused by intestinal blockages especially in cold water... if you have a heater you an warm the tank slowly to about 72 degrees and see if that helps them.  the more active they are the more likely their intestines are to not block up.  I would also add aquarium salt to your tank as that will help them to be disease free... you might also consider a piece of driftwood... driftwood is great at lowering pH in the long run.  I would change 10-20% water weekly instead of 50% every three weeks... the more stable you can keep your pH the better.  Please keep me posted... dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi I added the peas and salt...now he's either bottom sitting or top floating, gulping water...I think his days are numbered...not sure if the other one with small bulge developing on his sides is getting the same thing?  Will every fish die?
Lori

Answer
Hi Lori:  Dropsy is not usually contagious.  The pH level in your tank may be the contributing factor... you can try to add pH down and see if that helps...but I would take the larger goldfish out of the tank and put him in his own container.  If you feel he is suffering then here is a chemical called finquil that will put him to sleep.  It is gentle and non stressful and takes just a minute or two.  please keep me posted...


Hi Lori:  one of my readers sent me a note that said his fish with dropsy is doing better... he has been treating her with Interpet Anti Internal Bacteria Treatment which is a med I have not heard of but he said her swelling was decreased by 50%.   hope this helps... dave