Dr Loh explains the causes of dropsy and does a full examination of a bloated Goldfish

Dropsy is a clinical sign indicating loss of fluid balance where there is a net influx of water. This is most commonly due to damage to kidney, gills and skin, from a variety of infectious and non-infectious causes. The prognosis for survival is poor.

In this video Dr Loh visits a pond where the owner is experiencing loss of fish that are developing bloated bodies. Dr Loh examines one of the goldfish showing signs of dropsy to see what is causing the problem

To reach a diagnosis we do a full water quality analysis and microscopic examination of skin mucus scrapes and gill biopsies to exclude any underlying disease issues (e.g. ectoparasites). We also perform blood tests and bacterial cultures to help with making a diagnosis. These findings are essential to formulate a treatment regimen to prevent the problem occurring in the remaining fish population.

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this channel and by Dr Loh are created for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional Veterinary advice, diagnosis and treatment. If you have a question or concern about your own fish, please consult a local Veterinarian or professional to address your needs or concerns, or for advice on specific treatments for your aquatic pets.

The Fish Doctor Channel does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, medical treatments, pharmaceuticals, brand names, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation. Names are for the information and education of the viewing public, and the mention of any of the above on the channel does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The Fish Doctor channel or Dr Loh.

[dknight]

This a very gifted vet and he is among the few skilled vets that specializes in fish.

[GrimFelArt]

For people up-in-arms about euthanising the fish: Dropsy is severe and difficult to treat, and the fish would never be 100% again. When the scales stick out it's late stage Dropsy, aka organ failure, euthanasia is the humane thing. It would have died a slow, painful death otherwise, it would have already been in agony.
Also seeing people getting all riled up saying it was still alive. It wasn't. The fins moved because of nerves. To the "the heart was still beating" guy: a beating heart does not equal life, brain activity does. The fish is truly dead.
Get your facts straight.

Thanks for the video doc, you've gained a subscriber.

[markguerra]

I'm 10 and well this is very interesting don't know what ur saying but I'll learn this in the future and well just to let u know I look up to u I would like to be a fish doctor too so please keep making these videos

[Infinite_Omniverse]

I feel sorry for the poor fish. Rest in peace, little guy. I hope you had a great life.

[HavootuArchive]

very informative... i dont have any fish and idk how i even got here... lost in yt again lol...but im glad i did... i really enjoyed the wealth of information you gave us... very interesting.... thankyou!

[zoemallia]

This was very interesting, I am relatively new to fish keeping and didn't know the actual causations of dropsy until watching this informative video. Thank you for treating him so humanely too. RIP little guy.

[tachibana_mansworth]

One of my guppies had that, i tried to help the fish with meds and keep the water as clean as I can. The fish is now healthy and is doing well.

[tomohitonoda]

I lost a koi fish today to dropsy... I did what I could with stuff I had but I felt absolutely useless. It was at a similar stage so I feel a bit better knowing I couldn't do much more for the poor guy. Thank you

[sonnysandlr]

"its like bursting fluid filled bubble wrap"
you just made me laugh about something that kinda makes m want to cry, thank you.

[eebenilec]

i think youtube knew i was having a dropsy problem in one of my tanks and brought this video to my attention.

[RSO]

This the most accurate and informative dropsy related information available on the web. Thank you.

[madidofficial]

Dropsy make me panic.... I check all my fish multiple times a day at different angles because I'm so paranoid. I've lost 2 fish to dropsy

[tjy]

Respect to the fish doctor. Thank you so much. You're a compassionate professional

[nikechoo]

I just came across some of your videos. As a vet student, I really appreciate how you've explained everything because we don't usually focus much on aquatics and fishes in out vet studies. Thank you so much for all the videos and keep it up Dr Loh!

[kordova]

Exceptionally interesting and informative. I'll keep an eye out for he signs and do my best to take preventative measures. Thanks doc!

[tinahoey]

I’m a fish enthusiast too, found your vids brilliant and informative..keep up the great work, I’m learning a lot from you Dr xxx

[OregonOutdoorsChris]

That was awesome! I absolutely love the level of detail you went into!

[GDeNofa]

I’ve had a goldfish that was showing dropsy signs and had the pine cone appearance. The fish was still active and eating (though not as active) I gave supportive care with melafix and fast then gave peas... turned out it was a genetic issue and with grounded up food and more fiber diet, the fish swelling went down and was happily swimming with her tankmates again

[j.nardelli]

I am a molecular biologist working with mice and humans but I did wash the whole video (arrived here don't even know how !) and I enjoyed very much ! Thanks for sharing ! Congrats on the amazing job

[vickyhacker]

Amazing video; wonderful explanation of a serious condition