Not sure of the disease

Question
I have two questions that I have not been able to figure out myself.

I have a cichlid that appears to have dropsy. There is one difference, he doesn't have the pine cone affect that comes with dropsy. He has all the other symptoms, but there is one twist. He has been living with these symptoms for over a month. I tried medicating with dropsy medication from mardel along with aquarium salt and stresscoat. The fish also hasn't eaten in the time period and has been acting very lethargic.  This is very weird. Out of all the year I have had fish, I have not had something this weird before. Any info would be most appreciated. Thanks

Large Zebra cichlid
ph - 8
kh/gh - 15
nitrate <30ppm
nitrite and ammonia 0

Answer
Hi Jack,
I would say your fish definetly has Dropsy. Sometimes fish don't have the "pinecone" effect but they still have Dropsy.
Dropsy is not very contagious. The earlier it is caught the more likely treatment will be helpful. It is best to up the water temp to about 82-86 degrees and use epsom salts (1/8 teaspoon of epsom salts per 5 gallons) instead of aquarium salts because they will help the fish to lose some of the fluid that has built up.

Good luck!
Chloe.