female koi

Question
what is dropsy  she was tubby when we got her but now she is huge still eating but slow moving noticed this about 2 weeks ago and tonight I saw her at feeding time she looks really really uncomfortable

Answer
Dropsy is when a fish becomes grossly enlarged and the scales stick out due to them becoming enlarged quickly by taking of fluids. Dropsy is a result of an internal bacterial infection which may be caused by various things such as poor water quality, egg binding, or bacterial infections.  I have a few pages of photos of fish with dropsy and also ones who are enlarged due to kidney malfunction.  Unlike dropsy, kidney malfuction is slow with the fish becoming large slowly so their scales do not stick out.  Those fish become humongous and live pretty long whereas those with dropsy rarely live for more than a few weeks once they are greatly enlarged.

http://www.fishpondinfo.com/fishcare/dropphoto.htm
http://www.fishpondinfo.com/fishcare/bigphoto.htm

Dropsy is not easily treatable but you might try Epsom salts at a dose of 1/8 of a teaspoon per 5 gallons.  If you send a photo of your enlarged fish, I may be able to tell you more.  Good luck!

Robyn