Treat ascites and kidney failure: In another part to the fish diseases, today we come to the ascites to speak. Unfortunately also a very common one disease in ornamental fish. What can be done about it, whether the Ascites treatable is and how to protect yourself against it you can find out here. What healing methods are there?
Recognition and symptoms of ascites
First, a few characteristics of how to recognize abdominal dropsy. Basically, this is already in the name of the disease, because the belly of the fish is very bloated. One can speak of an extremely swollen stomach. But there are other symptoms of abdominal dropsy. In addition to the extreme swelling of the belly of an affected fish, there are always popping eyes. Inflamed areas all over the body can also occur in connection with abdominal dropsy. Very often we have also noticed that the body becomes pale or that certain areas lose their color completely. There can also be abnormalities in the area of the anus. All of this also makes it possible to quickly distinguish and differentiate between ascites and normal overfeeding. Again and again it happens that aquarists send their pictures and ask whether this is a case of abdominal dropsy. But very often it is “just” obesity ornamental fish.
In addition to the external characteristics, there are also abnormalities in the behavior of the affected fish. Here it can happen that the fish shows abnormalities in swimming behavior or also appears very apathetic. Let's summarize the main symptoms again:
- Heavily distended and swollen stomach (see the pictures)
- swimming behavior disturbed
- Rather sluggish and apathetic
- Abnormalities (redness, swelling) on the anus of the fish
- Pale spots on the body
- pop eyes
- Scales spread from the body
Of course, not all symptoms have to appear at the same time. It can be a combination of different. It is also crucial here that the disease is recognized quickly.
Causes of Ascites
There still seem to be some inconsistencies in science and research into the causes of this. Ultimately, the causes are not 100% determined. Ascites seems to develop mainly through bacteria and viruses. The following batteries are mentioned. Pseudononas and Aeromonas. Both are rod-shaped aerobic bacteria and spores. This appears to be able to stay and develop in an aquarium for months without causing any disease in the fish. Only a change or a stress factor that alters the immune system of the fish causes the fish to develop ascites. The defenses and the immune system can no longer fight against it and thus the abdominal dropsy comes into play.
But why is the stomach bloating so much?
The cause here is an internal decay of the organs. At the beginning usually with the dissolution of the kidneys or also the liver. This then causes a discharge of fluid which accumulates in the abdominal cavity. This causes the abdomen to swell. But other symptoms also occur when the kidney or other organs disintegrate. Be it the accumulation of water in the area of the eyes (goggle eyes) or white excretions from the anus. Examination of the faeces also plays an important role.
Is ascites contagious?
Unfortunately, one has to assume here that when it occurs, several ornamental fish are usually affected. The weakening usually affects several fish. In practice and from the experience of aquarists, it usually spreads to at least one species of ornamental fish.
Successfully fight and cure ascites
How can I cure the disease? One thing right away. The success of a cure cannot always be guaranteed. However, success is usually possible if you recognize the ascites in the early stages. If this is not the case, then it seems difficult. Therefore, the same applies here as we already did for the detection of fish diseases have explained in detail that the fish must be observed very closely. Without the addition of chemical agents and drugs, success seems questionable. Nevertheless, there are also successes with treatment using salt therapy. Here the aquarium water is enriched with salt.
The following active ingredients can promise success in a treatment:
- Nifurpirinol as it is part of JBL Furanol
- Sera Baktopur also contained this substance
The exact treatment and dosage, as well as the dosage forms, should be obtained from the respective manufacturer.
Basically, both preparations work against bacterial infections and are therefore also advisable for other diseases. Be it against internal infections or external infections. So you could also fin rot or others fish diseases deal with it.
It should also be noted that a number of things should be observed after treatment. Not just that Water change can make sense here, but also filtering via peat.
How can I prevent abdominal dropsy?
If you pay attention to a few things, you can also protect yourself against abdominal dropsy. Above all, the water values and hygiene and also the balance of the aquarium play a role here. water values like GH, KG or PH should fit and the water change should not be neglected. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Avoid starting with hard water in the aquarium
- Soft water is less susceptible to ascites
- Pay attention to water hygiene
- more regular Water change
- No overstocking
- No overfeeding of the animals
- Reduction of the infection pressure through excretions and water pollution
What are your experiences with abdominal dropsy? Do you have any tips for help and treatment? Pictures jbl.de