Up Side Down Oranda

Question
Dear Chloe,
I am having problems with my 4 orandas again. I am not sure if my oranda learned a new trick or something. Because during the past few days, he is always layin upside down like he is dead. but when i come over to look he starts to swim normal again. Is this healthy? Second, another oranda of mine is injured on the top of its back. I cant really explain it but the scales are up a little bit and his waste is crystal clear today. Are my fish ok? What I can do to help them? Thank You so much and sorry for the uneasy discription in my letter.  

Answer
Hi Quan,
One of your fish has swimbladder diease. Did you use the frozen peas i suggested? These will help digestion. Try not to use flake food as this will bloat him and make it harder for him to swim. There is not much you can do with a swimbladder problem as it is an internal organ that may be damaged. Secondly, if your other fish has a "pinecone" effect with raised scales this is a sign of dropsy. Dropsy will also cause the fish to be bloated and sometimes they will not eat. Dropsy is very difficult to treat as it can cause damage to the internal organs. There are no medications for dropsy although you could try a salt bath. Use 1 tsp per 2 and a half gallons of water. Daily water chagnes may also help them recover more quickly. It will also stop the other fish from having any diseases.

Good luck!
Chloe.