Pineapple scales disease (dropsy) occurs when the fish's kidneys do not function properly, resulting in fluid retention which makes the stomach swell. In the later stages of the disease, goldfish scales will bulge out. When you see these symptoms in a sick goldfish, the chances of survival are slim. If the disease is diagnosed early, the fish are likely to survive. Goldfish will have the greatest chance of recovery if the disease is diagnosed and treated properly, including the underlying disease.
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Part 1 of 4: Diagnosing Minor Diseases
Step 1. Pay attention to whether the fish belly is bloated or not
Pineapple scale disease is caused by fluid that accumulates in the fish's body. Therefore, the first symptom is bloating.
- Watch for unusual changes in the goldfish's body size.
- Goldfish treatment at an early stage gives the best possible cure.
Step 2. Notice if the eyelets protrude
In addition to the body of the fish, fluid buildup also occurs in the head of the goldfish. The fish's eye will start to bulge when fluid builds up under the eye.
Step 3. Notice the bulging scales
This is a common symptom of pineapple scale disease. Fish scales will start sticking out of his body and look like open pine cones when a buildup of fluid has begun to spread throughout his body.
- Pearl goldfish are sometimes suspected of having this disease because their scales have a natural bump in the center. This type of goldfish suffers from pineapple scale disease if the scales are much more bulging than usual.
- If you have reached this stage, usually the fish can no longer be saved. However, it never hurts to treat the symptoms and the triggering disease.
Part 2 of 4: Treating the Symptoms
Step 1. Isolate the sick goldfish
Pineapple scale disease and all its causes are not contagious. However, the conditions required for goldfish to recover from illness are different from the ideal conditions for a typical aquarium. A second aquarium of the same size can be a healing space for him.
Perfect conditions must be maintained for the goldfish's immune system so that it can have the best chance of recovery
Step 2. Fill the aquarium with clean water
The water used should be at the same temperature as the water in the original aquarium so that the fish can adapt more easily to their new environment.
Step 3. Raise the water temperature slowly
The ideal water temperature for goldfish with this disease is 27 degrees Celsius. A higher water temperature will prevent bacteria from multiplying.
- Raise the temperature in the tank by 2 degrees every hour until it reaches 27 degrees Celsius.
- Use an aquarium heater with a temperature control so you can control the rise in water temperature.
Step 4. Add the Epsom salt
The function of the kidneys is to maintain a balance of salt levels in the fish's body with salt levels in the water. When kidney failure occurs, salt will accumulate in the fish's body. It will help the stability of the fish condition if you increase the salinity level in the aquarium. In addition, the fish's immune system will improve.
- Add a teaspoon of salt per 3.8 liters of water.
- Don't add too much salt. High levels of salinity can make fish kidneys work too hard.
Step 5. Change the water regularly
The goal is to keep the goldfish in perfect and clean condition while it recovers. Regular water changes can help the fish to recover.
- Try to change the water every three days.
- Remember to gradually increase the temperature of the water and add salt to the new water.
Part 3 of 4: Cure Diseases
Step 1. Identify the various causes of pineapple scale disease
This disease itself is a symptom of various diseases in goldfish. It can be caused by bacterial infections, parasites, toxins, and kidney cysts. There is no way to find out what causes bloated goldfish. There are only two causes, bacterial and parasitic infections, that can be treated.
Since there is no way to know the cause, it's a good idea to give all types of treatment available
Step 2. Treat any type of bacterial infection
There are two types of antibiotic treatment available to treat bacterial infections in goldfish, namely Kanaplex and Kanamycin. Each antibiotic kills a different kind of bacteria, so it's important that you try one, check the progress, and try another.
- Add 36 milligrams of Kanaplex per 3.8 liters of water to the tank. Repeat this step for seven days. Watch if the fish show signs of recovery such as a less bloated stomach, higher swimming activity, and increased appetite. If you see no change at all, use Kanamycin.
- Add 200 milligrams of Kanamycin per 3.8 liters of water to the tank. Keep doing it for seven days and see if there is a change.
- You can buy Kanaplex and Kanamycin at any pet store that sells fish. If there is no nearby pet shop in your area, these two antibiotics are also available on the internet.
Step 3. Treat parasitic infections
There are no well-developed treatments for parasitic infections. However, liquid praziquantel is quite reliable. There's no harm in trying.
- Shake the bottle of liquid praziquantel. Add 200 milligrams of praziquantel per 3.8 liters of water to the tank. Give this treatment for seven days and watch for any changes.
- Praziquantel is available at most pet stores that sell fish and in internet shops.
Part 4 of 4: Returning the Goldfish to the Aquarium
Step 1. Watch for signs of recovery
If your goldfish has become more active and less bloated, wait three weeks to make sure the changes indicate a cure from the disease. If positive changes persist, return him to his original tank.
Step 2. Lower the salinity level of the water slowly
During three water changes–about nine days–reduce the salinity of the water by 1/3 teaspoon. On the third water change, don't add any salt at all.
Step 3. Reduce the water temperature slowly
Within a few hours, reduce the temperature of the water in the isolation tank to the same temperature as the original tank. This helps the fish adapt to the new temperature.
Step 4. Return the fish to its original aquarium
To prevent the spread of pineapple scale disease, change the water regularly and make sure the water temperature doesn't change more than a few degrees during the day.
