Sick Koi Floating Upside Down: Egg-Bound or Dropsy?

Symptoms

Large koi in hospital tank, floating upside down at bottom, swollen abdomen, breathing normally.

Possibilities

• Egg-bound (female): Retained eggs cause swelling. Warmth, Epsom salt, gentle massage may help.
• Dropsy: Swollen abdomen + pineconing scales (scales stick out). Caused by organ failure, bacterial infection. Poor prognosis.
• Tumor/cyst: Internal mass.
• Swim bladder disorder: From infection, constipation, or anatomy.

Action

1. Check for pineconing (view from above).
2. If female, try Epsom salt bath (1 tbsp/gal, 15 min daily ×3).
3. Antibiotics (Kanamycin) if bacterial.
4. Local koi vet or experienced keeper needed for hands-on diagnosis.

Prognosis

Egg-binding reversible. Dropsy usually fatal. Get expert help.