🐟 Amazing Fish Surgery Cases: Vet Guide 2025 🩺

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – Fish surgery—yes, for goldfish, koi, catfish, and more—is no longer science fiction. In this vet-reviewed 2025 retrospective, we explore seven remarkable cases: tumor removal, prosthetic implants, anatomical fixes, and critical interventions. Learn how aquatic vets safely anesthetize, operate, and rehabilitate fish—plus how the Ask A Vet app supports healing with remote check-ins and expert guidance.

1️⃣ Tumor Removal from Goldfish “George”

In Melbourne, Australian vet Dr Tristan Rich removed a malignant brain tumor from a 10‑year‑old goldfish named George. Using anesthetic water buckets and a gill‑oxygen line, the vet carefully extracted the tumor, applied tissue glue, administered antibiotics, and saw George swimming freely post‑op :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2️⃣ Prosthetic Eye for Rockfish

At Vancouver Aquarium, staff vets fitted a prosthetic eye to a yellowtail rockfish to improve its survival in a school. They stitched a glass eye on, reducing aggression from tankmates :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

3️⃣ Jin “Mr. Hot Wing”: Plastic Jaw Brace

In Pennsylvania, “Mr. Hot Wing,” a goldfish born without a lower jaw, received a plastic prosthetic made from a credit card. The brace allowed him to eat and breathe properly, contributing to his survival :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

4️⃣ Oranda “Trumpy”: Wen Trimming at UC Davis

UC Davis veterinarians removed 20% of Trumpy’s swollen wen, which impaired his swimming. The fish was anesthetized with MS-222 and supported via gill infusion. Post-treatment, Trumpy regained normal behavior and tank-mate interaction :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

5️⃣ UK Goldfish “Eric”: Jaw Tumor Surgery

A 6‑in oranda, Eric was treated at Great Western Exotics in Swindon using transparent anesthesia baths and electronic cautery. Once his jaw tumor was removed, he returned to normal eating behavior :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

6️⃣ Constipation Relief in Goldfish

UK vet Faye Bethell performed a rare surgery to remove hard constipation material from a small goldfish’s colon and dorsal area. The delicate 50‑minute procedure succeeded via anesthetic buckets :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

7️⃣ Secondary Brain Tumor in Goldfish Bubbles

In Melbourne again, Dr Rich removed a second brain tumor from goldfish “Bubbles,” employing a multi-bucket anesthetic method. Post-op care included antibiotics and oxygenated water :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🛠 Key Surgical Techniques & Protocols

• Water-based anesthesia: Fish vets commonly use MS‑222 (tricaine) or clove oil delivered via water baths and infusion tubes :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Gill infusion systems: Closed-circuit rigs pump anesthetic oxygenated water over gills during surgery :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Post‑surgery care: Recovery in clean water with oxygen; antibiotics, pain control, and frequent monitoring ensure smooth healing :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Prosthetic fixes: From artificial eyes to jaw braces, tailored implants improve long‑term welfare :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

🩺 Ask A Vet Telehealth: How It Helps

Telehealth enables aquarists to receive expert support post-surgery:

• Upload videos/photos of fish behavior, respiration, appetite, and healing wounds.
• Water parameter logs help vets ensure clean, therapeutic recovery conditions.
• Remote guidance on dosage, nutrition, and treatment adjustments during recovery.
• Educational resources: post-op care instructions, diet planning, and environmental recommendations.

✅ Vet-Approved Recommendations 2025

1. Find an aquatic vet: Choose experienced professionals equipped for small-scale fish surgeries.
2. Understand surgery triggers: Eye tumors, jaw masses, neuromas, swim-bladder issues may qualify.
3. Pre-op conditioning: Stabilize water quality and nutrition before surgery.
4. Provide post-op aid: Clean recovery tanks, tailored diet, water monitoring, and watch for complications.
5. Use Ask A Vet: Facilitate follow‑up care via photos, video, and vet messaging.
6. Celebrate resilience: Fish heal and regain quality of life—respecting their welfare through sensitive veterinary care.

🔗 About Ask A Vet & AquaCare Support

The Ask A Vet app offers 24/7 access to aquatic veterinarians skilled in fish surgery and recovery. Submit photos, videos, and recovery logs; receive guidance on wound care, anesthetic wash formulas, and follow-up protocols. AquaCare post-op kits include recovery tanks, balanced feeds, wound-safe antibiotics, and oxygen boosters. Download now to support your surgical cases with expert remote care in 2025! 🐠📱💙