I suppose 4" is a teenager ;~), but it's much younger than I've seen
Oscars get it. Mark probably has more experience on this, and on how
long they take to die. It depends on so many factors. If the internal
organs are ok, and they continue eating, then it might go on for a long
time (weeks, months). Without eating, they would probably starve in the
6 to 8 week range. When an organ completely fails then it is quick.

Generally I find that the smaller the fish, the quicker it dies from
dropsy (or most any diseases). If it were me, as soon as I determine
there is no chance for recovery, I put them in a fishbag with a bit of
clove oil in the water (ratio of 2ml per gallon). IIRC Mark also has an
article on euthanasia on his site which covered more options. The clove
oil is what has worked best for me so far.

It's difficult to define 'suffering' as their nervous system and
emotional capacity are not comparable. While they continue to eat &
behave normally, you can assume that the disease is not incapacitating
them, but beyond that....?
--
www.NetMax.tk

"perrin" wrote in message
...
How long will it take before they go? Are they suffering - oscar looks
normal behaviour-wise to me.

PS to NetMax: it's a juvenile, about 4 inches.
snip