Emergency Help! (Gasping Betta)

**Lexi_Lover** · 08-27-2005, 07:12 PM

Here is some more info...they need answers!

Not the writer of this!!

DISEASE: INFLAMED GILLS
GENERAL INFO: The gill or gills of a betta may become inflamed, because of nitrate poisoning, and possibly bacterial infections, or even a defective gill (if it was born that way).

SYMPTOMS: One or both gills will not close all the way (look at betta from the top it is easier to see it then), gills may look red (inflamed) or not, in the last stages, the betta may be gasping for air, unable to breath.
TREATMENT: Isolate sick betta. Do a full jar water change every third day. Every time you change water, add antibiotic (Pick one that treats inflamed gills) to the water. In the case of nitrate poisoning, simply add one drop of methylene blue in betta’s jar.

Need more descriptions on the micro white flakes. Can she describe them more?
Does she have gravel in the tank of so does she use a gravel vac/cleaner?
How about inflamed gills?

**Lexi_Lover** · 08-27-2005, 07:18 PM

Some more info Gina...hope you check back often!

Beginning to think it's either old age or an internal parasite!
It might be worth trying a product called Maracyn Two as it treats internal and external parasites.

**sandragonfly** · 08-27-2005, 07:22 PM

ack, can some one send me a sample picture of imflamed gills? I think I do see red parts but think I have seen that all the time.

the gills breaths out and closes allright.

I think I'll lean more to interal parasite! where do I get methylene or maracyn two?!

snowflakes, I think they must be from the peas dissolving. I'll change the water again with peas & see if they appear again.

many thanks!!

**sandragonfly** · 08-27-2005, 07:24 PM

of course lexilover, this is an emergency, I would want to check back in as often as I can!!

**sandragonfly** · 08-27-2005, 07:29 PM

sorry! there's no gravels right now. since he's so weak, I'd not want him to lay down on them. too bumpy & crowdy for him. but I never use vaccuum anyway.

well, we gotta keep trying! I'm so thankful he's still breathing!! it has been those three long days for him - poor thing!!

**Lexi_Lover** · 08-27-2005, 07:33 PM

Here you are Gina...more is on the way, I hope!

She said she doesn't vaccuum........she should otrherwise the gunk won't be cleaned out of it and this can cause the planaria!

BTW Gina, did you want the link so you could check there, I will be back and forth quite often, but just so you can see?

**Lexi_Lover** · 08-27-2005, 07:39 PM

Not getting anywhere with the pictures actually. Can't find anything on google images.
Is there a build up of mucus around the gills? I am really leaning towards old age (Bettas tend to live 2-4 years) or internal parasites.

Snowflakes could be planaria due to unclean gravel and overfeeding.
Is she UK or US or other situated as far as the maracyn goes.... I'll google those pictures for her now
DO apologise to her for all the questions and so on!! Just trying to help! Seeing all my posts on there is strange but reading them makes me think!!

Planaria are not overly dangerous to fish but a severe outbreak is a sign that there is too much left over food and the gravel isn't being cleaned enough. If the snowflake things wriggle on the side of the tank then they are PROBABLY planaria, if not then correct.....left over pea bits!!

**sandragonfly** · 08-27-2005, 07:39 PM

yes, the link please.

well, I clean/change the water everytime I see anything dirty. weekly isn't good enough? why this time?

I've had him for almost two years (november 2003), I don't understand.

at least right now, he's looking better than the first night I found him laying & gasping for his life.

edit: okay, no mucus.

**Lexi_Lover** · 08-27-2005, 07:42 PM

Here is the link to help save Drapples

**Lexi_Lover** · 08-27-2005, 07:43 PM

Weekly water changes are good but that won't stop the gunk collecting in the gravel.
I'm not critiscising Gina and am so glad that the betta is making progress I'm just trying to help.
It is difficult though.
What size is the tank? Does she have any form of filter in there?

**sandragonfly** · 08-27-2005, 07:47 PM

okay, let me clear this up, I changed his water last night. without gravels. and the snowflakes just came up this afternoon.
that got me wonder if drapples tried to nibble a piece of pea?

by the way, should I not add bio-coat that add electrolites now? I'm afraid if I don't, it'll kill him.

I'm gonna check the link now!

**Lexi_Lover** · 08-27-2005, 07:49 PM

good about the no mucus.Do the gills look different at all to what she nomally sees? Inflamed, puffy? She'll be pleased to know I am running out of questions!!

Gina, she also has her MSN addie if you would like it. If you have MSN, she said she'd be glad to talk to you.

**Lexi_Lover** · 08-27-2005, 07:51 PM

Another person has tuned in to help us out, hope it helps Gina!

Gill colour should be cherry red. Any lighter and it could be ammonia/nitrite poisoning or anaemia.
Did she test for ammonia nitrite nitrate and ph? Also testing from the tap is a good idea too.
Still dont know what the set up is, we need the size of tank/vase and filtration used and how long its been running.
If shes only doing water changes once a week then it could be a bacterial disease.
Does she use water conditioners as well.
sorry if these have been asked already.

**Lexi_Lover** · 08-27-2005, 07:54 PM

hi gina!!!
Right....... possibly pea then! Don't worry about the planaria thing... not a critiscism although as your emotions are running high it probably felt like it and so I apologise!
Did you try and dangle a bloodworm or favourite food on his mouth as such with tweezers? I am trying everything!!
Post on your forum and I'll refresh the page and reply on here or use my above e-mail address for msn messenger if you have it