Goldfish surgery goes swimmingly
The surgery is said to have extended George's life by 20 years. (file photo)
An Australian vet has performed surgery to remove a tumour from a goldfish.
The operation went swimmingly, according to Dr Tristan Rich from the Lort Smith Animal Hospital in North Melbourne, and George the goldfish has now been returned to his loving owner.
BBC News reported that George's owner paid $200 (£125) for the surgery, which has extended the goldfish's life by 20 years.
To perform the surgery, Dr Rich, who is head of the hospital's exotic and wildlife vet team, ran a tube from a bucket of oxygenated water containing a maintenance level of anaesthetic into George's mouth so the water washed over his gills.
Due to the size of the tumour, Dr Rich said he had to use a gelatine sponge to control the bleeding during surgery and the size of the wound made it difficult to seal. Dr Rich put in four sutures and sealed the rest with tissue glue.
After being moved to the recovery unit, where he was given oxygen and long acting pain relief and antibiotics, George began breathing on his own and swimming.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
