Betta fish has a swelling?

Question

My male betta fish has a swelling in only one part of his body but on both sides... It is somewhere near his belly, been there for over a week.He is pale, but only in the part where he has the swelling. I changed 70% of his water and added 4-5 drops of some anti-bacterial medicine the fish shop gave me. Here they don't have any medicines for fish diseases except for some very general ones.
Anyway, so when I did that, he seemed fine for 2-3 days, he got his colour back and was eating,pooping,flaring and swimming normally, however, the swelling did not subside.
He was normal in the evening, I stepped out for a couple of hours n returned home to find him pale again... The swelling has yet not subsided.
What can I do? I am feeding him very little and he is eating well. I don't have access to any medication except very general ones... Pls tell me how I can help him without using medicines.
Thank you God bless you.

Hi, this is for Answerer No.2
This is my first question in 2 weeks.
And even if it wasn't, you have a choice not to read it or answer it. I really need people who care to help my fish.

Answer 1

If the fish is still digesting its food, it sounds like it is most likely dropsy. Dropsy is the buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity, and is not curable... The best thing you can do to try to save it (though your chances are slim) is to keep his water PRISTINE over then next couple of weeks (water changes every other day). Also, Bettas lay eggs, so they don't get pregnant. Contact me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: Fish with dropsy will have pineconed scales (scales that stick out from the body at a sharp angle) around the swelling.

Answer 2

Watch him closely for the next couple days...put a little aquarium salt in his water...don't feed him anything for at least 1 day. If he's still not doing any better by then or takes a turn for the worse, then it's time to take him to the doctor. See what the vet can do.

Answer 3

I think he might be morbidly obese. Quit feeding him altogether for the next week (its healthy for them) and dont change anymore water (as its stressful). Dont add more medication without KNOWING whats happening, as that can stress him more. You could maybe add some aquarium salt, because its helpful in general to reduce stress.

Answer 4

i think my betta had the same thing, the eventually went back to normal. just be sure not to feed him too much. =) im hope this helps

Answer 5

hmm mabeye it isnt a boy. mabeye it is pregnant