Goldfish are popular pets, known for their loyalty and mesmerizing colors. However, they can sometimes develop illnesses like dropsy, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Dropsy is characterized by the swelling of a goldfish’s abdomen due to fluid retention, leading to a pinecone-like appearance.
If your goldfish is showing signs of dropsy, follow these 15 steps for the best chance at helping them recover:

1. Isolate affected goldfish: As dropsy may be contagious, separate the sick goldfish from other tankmates in a clean quarantine tank.

2. Check water parameters: Ensure that water conditions are optimal (e.g., proper temperature, pH level, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels). Regularly check the tank’s conditions using a test kit.

3. Clean the tank: Perform regular water changes to maintain good water quality and reduce stress on your goldfish.

4. Feed high-quality food: Feed your goldfish balanced and well-rounded diets with pellets or flakes explicitly designed for goldfish.

5. Add aquarium salt: Administer salt therapy by adding 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt per gallon of water in the quarantine tank.

6. Increase water temperature: Gradually raise water temperature to 77-82°F (25-28°C) to help speed up your fish’s metabolism and boost their immune system.

7. Administer antibacterial treatment: Consult with a veterinarian or aquarium expert for an appropriate antibiotic medication for treating gram-negative bacterial infections common in dropsy cases.

8. Epsom salt treatment: Dissolve 1-3 teaspoons of Epsom salt per gallon (4 liters) of water in the quarantine tank to help draw out excess fluids.

9. Administer antiparasitic treatments: Dropsy can also be caused by internal parasites. Consult your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate treatment.

10. Increase aeration: Make sure the quarantine tank has sufficient oxygen, as weak goldfish require higher oxygen levels.

11. Watch for improvement: Monitor your affected goldfish daily for signs of recovery or deterioration.

12. Maintain quarantine: Keep the affected goldfish in the quarantine tank until fully recovered and showing no symptoms of dropsy.

13. Treat healthy fish as a precaution: In cases of suspected contagion, treat other goldfish with a mild antibiotic course to prevent dropsy infection.

14. Sterilize the main tank:Thoroughly clean and sterilize the main tank before reintroducing your recovered fish.

15. Prevention and maintenance: Practice proper tank maintenance, water testing, and high-quality feeding to prevent future outbreaks and keep your goldfish in optimal health.

Prompt treatment and following these steps can greatly increase the likelihood of your goldfish recovering from dropsy. However, it’s essential to monitor their progress closely and consult with an aquarium expert or veterinarian if you’re unsure about treatments or their health does not improve.