To Flush or Not to Flush – That is the Question

Or: Why Didn’t I Just Self-Medicate on the Web?

I feel so awful! Poor little Indy the fish has been suffering since Easter, and I’m such an idiot!

One morning, Indy couldn’t rise to the top of his bowl. He lay on the bottom, gasping for air, looking pathetic. I tapped on the glass, and he made a mighty effort to come to the top and beg for food. Poor little guy. They only live about three years, so let’s just say I was a bit hesitant to visit a veterinary fish specialist. I decided to wait.

Amazingly enough, he didn’t die. But was he in pain? How to tell? He still had an appetite, and didn’t kick off. So, I guess I’ll just wait. And wait I did.

I knew just enough to determine he was experiencing a swim bladder problem. I figured it occurred when I transferred him to a clean bowl of water. Perhaps being in the net caused distress? Too much air?

Unfortunately, I didn’t think to consult Web MD. I mean, if Maytag Sucks can fix your appliance, why didn’t I Google “Defective Fish from Siam” or something?

In the meantime, I bought another Betta. Nice light red shade, active. Either Indy would appreciate a friend, or die of a broken heart when he saw his ‘replacement’. Oh, like you haven’t wondered if the Mormons have the right idea about bringing home a second (or third) spouse to shape up the first one a little.

So with their little globes next to each other, the two fish seemed to coexist happily. Daytona set about making a little bubble nest at the top of his water line, hoping to convince a female betta that the sluggish Indy would make a poor mate. After a day or so, he quit. It was so obvious there was NO competition on the horizon.

Indy hung in there, but was unable to predict any of our freak mid-April snowstorms. Still had a hearty appetite, so I figured it was best to keep his routine the same and hope for some miracle recovery.

Tonight, for some strange reason, I decided to Google “swim bladder pet fish” and came across this entry.

Well now, I’ve been doing everything wrong! And help was just a click away! Can’t wait until I’m diagnosed with a brain tumor. Bet there’s all kinds of handy home remedies online!! I’m going to take the advice above and I’ll keep you posted. I hope it’s not too late to save Indy!

Note: I feed a varied diet, but it does include pellets, and Ms. Fields notes that some fish are just more susceptible, especially older ones.