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Hello, I have a goldfish who looks bloated. Before, it would float upside down at the top, now it sinks upside down. He looks like he has a light pink, bleeding bubble near the tail and is swimming curved and sideways. We have fasted him for three days and will give cooked peas without the skin. He is in a 2 gallon bowl with an airpump for two days now. He had been bloated for a couple of months, but now has what I just described. What can I do to ease the pain? Any help would be appreciated.

Hello, I have a goldfish who looks bloated. Before, it would float upside down at the top, now it sinks upside down. He looks like he has a light pink, bleeding bubble near the tail and is swimming curved and sideways. We have fasted him for three days and will give cooked peas without the skin. He is in a 2 gallon bowl with an airpump for two days now. He had been bloated for a couple of months, but now has what I just described. What can I do to ease the pain? Any help would be appreciated.

Updated On September 20th, 2017

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male | 12 years and 8 months old

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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The bowl should have frequent partial water changes to maintain water quality it there isn't a filter in place. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Goldfish do best in water temperatures between 65 F and 72 F. The swelling and redness could be a mass, infection or, more serious, dropsy. An Epsom salt bath (NOT table salt or aquarium salt) may help with any swelling or fluid retention. Dissolve one tablespoon of epsom salt into one gallon of tank water. Allow a 15-30 minute swim before returning him to the main tank. Consider also a broad spectrum antibiotic to treat any infection, primary or secondary. You can find one in the aquarium section of your local Petco or fish store. Read and follow package directions carefully.

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