Oranda Goldfish Grossly Enlarged: Eggs, Dropsy, or Kidney Failure?

Lionhead oranda appears to have "swallowed two golf balls," getting bigger daily. Owner thinks eggs; asks about wintering in Wisconsin pond (heater at 42°F) vs. indoors. Fish sometimes upside down.

Not Just Eggs

Egg-laden females swell slightly, not grossly. Gross enlargement = dropsy (scales pinecone), kidney failure (fluid retention), or tumors. Orandas are naturally round, complicating assessment.

Egg Timeline

Females must spawn or reabsorb eggs within ~1 week. Cannot hold until spring.

Winter Recommendation

Lionheads/orandas are cold-sensitive. Bring indoors: 20+ gal tank, 75°F, aquarium salt (1 tbsp/5 gal), dechlorinator, antibiotics (Maracyn), peas for buoyancy. Outdoor heater at 42°F is insufficient.

Upside-Down Swimming

Common in fancy goldfish due to deformed swim bladder. Enlargement worsens it. Peas and antibiotics may help.