Need Help with my Betta....Asap please:)

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

My 1 1/2 year old betta started developing lumps on his sides.  It is clear at this point that his lump is fluid filled.  I can see through it.   
Here is a photo
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/madonna33j/july4princess009.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/madonna33j/july4princess012.jpg[/IMG]

I took those photos last night July 4th.  
I've given him kanaplex.  He's on the last batch now.
I've had people tell me to give him fresh garlic juice on his food.  
The lump is clearly fluid filled. It's not a tumor.  It's not solid.  
What can I do????????  

If you can't see the photos in this, you can cut and paste what's inside the [img] tags and it should take you to the photos.  Thank you!


ANSWER: Hi Joanne,
I saw the pictures just fine. Poor betta, he looks so bad. These must definitely be either tumors or cysts.

I am currently contacting fish experts to get their opinions or thoughts on what to do with this poor betta. And I'll reply as soon as I get anymore news or suggestions from them.

Diagnosing and treating lumps on fish is extremely difficult. And sometimes you can never "truly" know the exact cause without an autopsy on the poor fish. However, most lumps that suddenly appear may be due to bacterial infections. It may also be due to fluid being retained.

Has he been eating the Kanaplex Ok? . Feeding him the Kanaplex would be much more effective. According to Seachem's website, they advise to give Kanaplex To feed, blend 1 measure with about 1 tablespoon of frozen food paste.

This is a very mysterious illness. Nobody is quite sure what to do either. Sometimes it helps to know what the numbers for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH?
What is the water change schedule?
and what water conditioner is used?
Knowing these things can sometimes help narrow down the possible causes and it's important to have as good water quality as possible when trying to treat for illness.

I wonder if it would help if you switched medications to Maracyn-two or at least try Epsom salt. Dosage is 1/8 teaspoon of Epsom Salt per five gallons of water. If you are working with a smaller tank, measure out 1/8 teaspoon, divide it up into five equal parts. Epsom salt helps a fish lose extra fluid unlike regular aquarium salt.

I really hope this helps! All you can do is try your best.
Best wishes,
Karen~

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much Karen.  I wrote the local university and was given the name of aquatic vets.  I went to see one this morning.  
He said that Princess had a fluid buildup under his scales.
He said that this can happen, similiarly to an infected hair folicle.  He said that the fluid built up under his epidermis.
When I took Princess on the car ride, the bubble must have opened.  It was greatly reduced by the time the vet saw him.
Luckily, I brought photos.  He looked them all over.  He looked at Princess under a microscope.  He said that is was rare, but happens sometime.  Fluid accumulates under the top layer of skin.  That what was causing the swelling.

He felt that I should use Jungle Parasite Clear to help the other bloat.  He said the rest of the bloat might be age.  

I appreciate your help.  Princess is home and hopefully on the road to recovery! :)

Answer
Oh my Gosh! You are so lucky to have had a vet look at Princess!! You are really a devoted fishkeeper! A million cheers for you. I hope all goes well. It was very interesting to read about the vet's diagnoses of Princess's condition.

So he recommended to use Jungle Parasite Clear? That's strange. I figure he'd might recommend an antibiotic.

You are so lucky to get to have a fish vet to help you. They are the ones who can best handle this case anyway!

I would love to hear how Princess's condition improves, ect... if you don't mind.

Best wishes and best of luck!
Karen~