Popeye Help, Please

[BettaGirl2003]

My betta Jazzie has always had one eye that's a little bigger than the other one. I assume it's some sort of birth defect, but he's really never had any serious problems and it gives him a bit of character, 

He has developed popeye (or what I assume to be popeye) in that eye and nothing I've done seems to be helping it go away. I've used Maracyn in the prescribed dosage and for the recommended amount of time with no results. One site I found online suggested Epsom salts, so I added some to his water and that isn't helping. I even added a little Maracyn II that I had from a while ago to the water (I later realized it expired two months ago), but nothing. I treated him with Maracyn/Maracyn II on another occassion... is it possible he's just built up a resistance to it?

Has anyone else had a betta with popeye that's this stubborn? Any thoughts on what I can use to treat it now? He's eating and acting normally.

He's in a one gallon tank. I'm changing his water again tonight, so it's the perfect time to try a new tactic.
I appreciate any help or advice you could offer. Thanks! 
 

[Guitarchiq]

First of be sure to keep his water very very clean, try doing daily water changes until you can try some new meds.  One that's worked really well for a few of us on here that have tried it is Kanamycin (or k-mycin) you can order it very cheaply online and it's pretty effective. 
Otherwise I'd try to use a fresh batch of maracyn 2 if you can't order stuff online.  If it's really getting worse you could try something with a bit more bite to it like Furan 2 or tetracycline. 

[Santaaa]

Try Fungus Clear. Please no contradictions. I know Maracyn 1 and 2 are highly recommended here but I am telling you to go to Wal-Mart and get Fungus Clear. If Maracyn 1 and 2 aren't working then I really would try fungus clear. To dose it is a pain but all you do is take 10 teaspoons of Tank water and then add the pill to the tank water you took out in a glass and dissolve it then add 1 teaspoon of solution per gallon. Throw out the remaining medication you did not use as it will lose its effectiveness from sitting there. Just mix up a new batch each time you use it. I know it sounds wasteful but it is the only way I know you can safely medicate smaller tanks. try it and see what happens. Fungus Clear is strong medication. I know it says fungus clear but it is an antibiotic. I promise it is an antibiotic and not really an antifungus medication. I read the reason they did this as there is a bacterial infection that looks like fungus is growing on the fish and people treated for fungus but it never worked because it was a bacterial infection so companies started labeling them things with fungus in the name and really they were selling antibiotics to get rid of the bacterial infection. So anyways just give it a try and let me know if it works. Also it does not list on the box under the main ones it treats but in small print on the box it says it also treats for Popeye.  From what I have read it as close as you can get to an injection with small fish. Yes some people give their fish shots not bettas though as they are too small. Koi and goldfish can get shots. Good luck with your fish and let me know how he comes out.

[Santaaa]

Just so you know Fungus clear is available at Wal-Mart and is the really strong stuff.

[Guitarchiq]

Yes, it is an antibiotic, and a strong one. 

I am not in any way trying to contradict as you gave accurate information about the Jungle medication, but just be aware that differing opinions on medications are perfectly acceptable and based on personal opinion and experience.   

[BettaGirl2003]

Thank you so much for all of the help. His little eye is just bulging out so much... It makes me feel so helpless.    I was actually able to find Tetracycline at my local pet store this afternoon. Should I try that tonight or wait and get Fungus Clear from Wal-Mart tomorrow morning?
Thank you again! ... Jazzie and I really appreciate it! 

[Guitarchiq]

I'd just start with the tetracycline since you already have it. It usually works pretty well against most bacterial issues, it's strong stuff.   Watch for signs of improvement over the next couple days, if you don't see any it may be time to switch meds. 
Keep us posted and good luck!

[Santaaa]

I just said please no contradictions as I had trouble in the past getting someone to try it on this board awhile ago and the person wound up waiting too long and lost their betta they tried it way to late. Tetracycline won't be effective if Maracyn 1 and 2 were not. At least if one doesn't work the other one does not seem to work from what I have read when people  treat with one first and then the other it will not work. Not sure why but I have never seen it work. Although my theory is from past expeirences of trying to get a medicine to work that was on the weaker end first and then slowly went to different stronger meds by the time you get there usually it is already too late. I have resolved my theory to treat diseases best I can is bring out the biggest guns you got and hit it full on hard as you can as soon as you can. I believe the reason it is best to bring out the big guns first is because each time a medicine has failed the bacteria or parasite has built up a resistance to it and becomes stronger. "What does not kill you only makes you stronger."  It is your fish and I am just offering advice it is up to you to make the decision. I am just presenting options.

[BettaGirl2003]

I think his eye actually looked a little better this morning. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! He has one more day left on the Tetracycline cycle. I was wondering if I should switch to the Fungus Clear after the Tetracycline is finished or if that would put too much stress on Jazzie? I don't want to expose him to too many medications if it's going to do more harm than good. He hasn't been acting sick at all. He's still eating and swims right up to say hi when I talk to him. He likes to follow my finger on the outside of the tank.
Thank you for all of the helpful advice

[Santaaa]

If it is working just finish the meds and keep the water warm and clean. Don't bother with Fungus clear if it is getting better no point if the meds work.