Treatment. Dropsy is not easily cured. Treatment is geared toward correcting the underlying problem and providing supportive care to the sick fish. A broad spectrum antibiotic specifically formulated for gram-negative bacteria is recommended, like Mardel Maracyn® 2.

Can dropsy go away?

Treatment. The infection causing dropsy is not easily cured. Some experts recommend that all affected fish be euthanized to prevent the spread of the infection to healthy fish. Also, when combined with popeye, the prognosis is bleak.

How did they treat dropsy?

Methods and results: Bloodletting, either by venesection or by leeches, was a popular way to alleviate symptoms from dropsy. Although bloodletting, purgatives, cauterization, and Southey tubes were drastic, their use demonstrated that physicians were not powerless to help people with severe heart failure.