Bizarre moment a GOLDFISH named Arnold undergoes surgery to have a tumour removed from his gill
- A Goldfish was admitted to surgery to have a tumour removed from his gill
- Arnold underwent the surgery at Murrumba Downs Vet, north of Brisbane
- The 20 gram outdoor pond Goldfish is one of the smallest patients of the vet
- Doctor Liam Flanagan anaesthetised the small fish to remove the tumour
This is the bizarre moment a goldfish named Arnold underwent surgery to have a tumour removed from his gill.
Arnold was admitted into surgery at Murrumba Downs Vet, north of Brisbane, after he was found with a huge tumour growing on his right operculum.
The 20 gram outdoor pond Goldfish is one of the smallest patients that Exotics Veterinarian, Doctor Liam Flanagan anaesthetised.
Arnold was admitted into surgery at Murrumba Downs Vet, north of Brisbane, after he was found with a huge tumour growing on his right operculum (pictured)
This is the bizarre moment a goldfish named Arnold underwent surgery to have a tumour removed from his gill
‘Arnold was anaesthetised using the same anaesthetic that we routinely use for cats and dogs,’ Vet MD – Murrumba Downs Vet wrote to their Facebook page.
‘The Alfaxan anaesthetic was added to Arnold’s tank water and he drifted off to sleep.’
Once the anaesthetic had taken affect and Arnold drifted off to sleep, Dr Flanagan removed the large tumour from the gill.
However, according to the Facebook post, removing the tumour was ‘not as easy as it sounds’.
‘Arnold had to be partially removed from the water to enable Dr Flanagan to excise the rumour,’ the post read.
‘This meant that the assisting nurse was constantly pushing water through Arnold’s gills with a large syringe to keep him oxygenated.’
Arnold’s surgery was a success and he has been recovering well after spending five days in a hospital tank on medication.
The 20 gram outdoor pond Goldfish is one of the smallest patients that Exotics Veterinarian, Doctor Liam Flanagan anaesthetised
Once the anaesthetic had taken affect and Arnold drifted off to sleep, Dr Flanagan removed the large tumour from the gill
He has since been released back into the community pond, with Dr Flanagan wishing Arnold a long and happy life.
‘We are so happy we were able to help even the smallest of patients,’ the vet said.
The Facebook post has garnered lots of attention, receiving more than 1,000 likes and 500 shares.
‘This is the coolest and most fascinating story I have read in a long time. I never knew you could do something like this. The whole program, anesthesia, surgery, tumor removal, all out of water. Utterly Amazing,’ one Facebook user praised.
‘That is totally awesome. You’ve made my night!!!!’ another commented.
‘That’s absolutely beautiful! Brought tears! No creature is ever too small for treatment,’ another person said.
Arnold’s surgery was a success and he has been recovering well after spending five days in a hospital tank on medication