Goldfish Dropsy

Dropsy is a set of symptoms caused by any one of several goldfish illnesses. Like most goldfish illnesses it is often poor water quality that leads to onset. It can be caused by viral infection, bacterial infection, parasitic infestation or cancer and commonly leads to kidney failure. Unfortunately goldfish are more prone to dropsy than other fish.

Unlike some goldfish illnesses, dropsy is not hard to diagnose. The belly is swollen, often the eyes are too, and the goldfish's scales stick out like an open pine cone.

Because dropsy can be caused by any one of a number of goldfish illnesses, it is hard to treat. Secondly, when a goldfish has full-blown dropsy there is very little that can be done to save it. If caught early, treat for parasites and bacterial infection and check the quality of the water. However, if it is chronic dropsy caused by cancer, there is nothing that can be done. Internal organs will be damaged beyond repair and the goldfish should be disposed of humanely.