Their divided home, sans Lynx
Aside from 2 bunnies, I have 2 bettas (and if I had my way, I’d go all Noah on the animal kingdom and have 2 of everything). Their names are Rex and Lynx, named after the German words for right and left, referring to the side of the windowsill their bowls were placed in when I first got them.
They’ve been wonderful little pets and more rewarding than I would have guessed. They’re so excited when I come home (even if it just because they know they’re getting fed). They remind me of little puppies, swimming to the front of their tank and shaking their tail fins. Oh, and they’ll jump out of the water to pluck food from my fingers!
Lynx and his saddlebag sides
About a week ago I noticed that little Lynx was bulging at the sides. I read up and it looks like he’s either a) constipated or b) has dropsy. Constipation can usually be cured by fasting the fish, feeding him a blanched pea or some daphnia and if that doesn’t work, giving him an Epsom salt bath. Dropsy itself is not a disease, but is a symptom of any number of problems that result in fluid retention and organ (usually kidney) failure. By the time a fish is showing signs, its usually too late to treat him.
For the past week, I’ve tried all of the tricks for the first scenario, but I don’t think any of it has worked. It’s too hard to tell because of all the gravel in his aquarium, so I’ve moved him into a sick tank (bowl with a very small heater), given him an Epsom salt bath and a little more pea. Nothing so far. I’m nervous that the poor little guy has dropsy. Although, if it is dropsy, I’d think he would be getting worse.. fatter, sicker, etc. He’s stayed basically the same size all week and is eating really well. I dunno..
I guess they’re both pretty old at this point… but still, it makes me very sad. I just want my little animals to live forever. Maybe I should get a turtle or a parrot, something that will outlive me.
Lynx in his hospital bowl 
