image source, Lort Smith Animal Hospital
The operation was complex but successful.
An Australian goldfish is recovering from «high risk» surgery to remove a brain tumor.
George, whose owner lives in Melbourne, received general anesthesia for the procedure, which cost $200.
Doctor Tristan Rich, who carried out the operation, told local Melbourne radio station 3AW that the fish is «awake and swimming around».
Vets say the 10-year-old fish is expected to live another 20 years.
«George had a fairly large tumor on the top of his head that was slowly growing and starting to affect his quality of life,» Rich said.
The owner of the fish was told that she had the option of choosing between the operation or having the animal euthanized.
«She was delicate enough to try,» the doctor said, adding that he had been kept alive by pumping hydrogen peroxide through his gills.
Rich described the 45-minute operation as «tricky.»