I could really use some reassurance that it’s time for me to say goodbye to my lil betta. She was given to me by my uncle after my aunt passed as he needed to move and could no longer care for her and yes I do know it’s actually a male, but I named her after my aunt and just got used to using she/her. I’ve had her a little over two years now and I’m not sure how long my uncle had her before then but I know she’s getting old.
This photo was taken about two weeks ago, I believe that white spot on her back is a tumor and it has gotten a little bigger since then. At the time this photo was taken, she was already very lethargic and struggled to swim to the top to eat and take breaks so I was holding her up here while she ate. Since then, all she does is lay at the bottom and barely move. She hasn’t eaten in over a week now, she will lift her head to look at me when I come to the tank but then she lays it back down and doesn’t move.
My parameters are stable, I have a filter, the tank is heated to 80 degrees and she just continues to get worse unfortunately and I can tell she’s suffering ): I feel guilty making the decision to euthanize her, guilty that I’m giving up on her but also guilty that I’m holding on for my own ease because I don’t want to let go and I could just really use some outside perspective right now on if I’d be making the right choice. Thank you all in advance 💜
https://i.redd.it/rnysyx4mev3g1.jpeg
Posted by Dizzy_Ad_9710
2 Comments
That’s a beautiful baby, I’m sorry about all of this. It looks like they have lived a full life and are very old in Betta years(a lot of times they’re already 1-2 when they’re sold in stores). Thank you for giving them a good life and caring for them.
If you feel it’s time you could try to keep them comfortable until they pass naturally. Alternatively you could put them in between a few paper towels and apply pressure with a hardcover book. I don’t know how to do clove oil but there is a post somewhere with the proper instructions(mix very well with water (or alcohol?) before dosing). So sorry about this but you’ve given them an amazing and happy life. Hugs💕
hey, I just wanted to say how deeply sorry I am that you’re going through this. it’s incredibly clear how much love and care you’ve given her throughout her whole life with you. she’s lucky she didn’t have someone that just kept her alive,but genuinely cared about her thriving not just surviving.
from all you’ve described – the tumor, the lethargy, the lack of appetite for that long, and her struggling to even lift her head. it really does sound like she’s at the point where her quality of life is slipping away. Bettas are tough, but when they stop eating and engaging with their surroundings,it usually means they’re uncomfortable in ways they can’t bounce back from.
choosing euthanasia isn’t about giving up on the fish, it’s an act of compassion. a way of preventing further suffering when there’s nothing left you can do to bring her comfort or stability.It’s one of the hardest decisions a pet owner ever has to make, and the guilt you’re feeling just shows how much you care.
but love isn’t only about holding on. sometimes it’s about letting them go gently, peacefully, and with dignity. from the outside looking in, you’re not making the wrong choice. you’re making the kind one.
whatever you decide, I hope you’re able to give yourself some grace. you’ve done right by her every step of the way. 💜