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Dropsy
Rhabdovirus carpio

Type: Dropsy is the result of a number of different possible causes.

Symptoms & description: The result of the infections is an accumulation of bodyfluids in the abdomen. The pressure generated by this buildup, causes the scales on the body to protrude. Sometimes the scales themselves are also infected. Two forms exist, a contagious, and a non-contagious one.

Non contagious form: This is caused by either an obstruction in the bloodpath(for example a tumor), or a malfunction of an organ. In aquaria the main cause for organ malfunction is overfeeding! Organs that particularaly suffer, an degenarate, and can cause dropsy: Hart, kidneys, liver and pankreas.

Treatments: A varied diet, feeding 6 days a week, and regular 2-3 day fasting periods. Always keep the infected fish in a quarantine tank.

Contagious form: These are all other forms of dropsy. Real dropsy is caused by a virus, Rhabdovirus carpio. Usually a secondary bacterial infection is present, Aeromonas punctata, Pseudomonas granulata and Aeromonas liquefaciens have been found in infected fish.
Other infectuous diseases that cause dropsy are numerous, and infect muscles, the hart, the kidneys and other organs. This may cause the buildup of abdominal fluids in the fish, and result in the pinecone appearance.

For treatments it is important to know which type of dropsy is to be treated. Most treatments consist of broadband anti-biotics

Treatments:

- Rhabdovirus carpio reproduces between 15-31 degrees, with an optimum of 20-22 degrees. Move the temperature as far away from the optimum as the fish can bear. The fish' immune system has a better chance of fighting the virus this way.

- Treatments for the bacteria:

- Chloramphenicol(60 mg per liter) treatment for 6 days, also in the food

- Chloromycetine, longterm baths.

Any other antibiotic.

Temperature: See treatment

Feeding: The fish can and should be fed well, varied live foods!

Quarantine period for new fish, and for treated fish: 10 days.

Picture references: All pictures E. Naus

References:Schubert, G.(?): Ziekten van aquariumvissen. B.V. W. J. Thieme & cie, Zutphen, The NetherlandsBaensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.(click on the link to buy this book)Sterba, G. et al.(1981): Encyclopedie van de Aquaristiek en de Ichtyologie. H. J. W. Becht's Uitgeversmaatschappij bv, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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