Looks like George the goldfish will get to float around its pond and munch on fish flakes for much longer.

 

Over the past year, the 10-year-old goldfish in Melbourne, Victoria, developed a brain tumor, affecting its ability to eat, swim and even interact with the other fish in his pond.

 

"The fish was having trouble eating, getting around, getting bullied by the other fish," Dr. Tristan Rich, a veterinarian at Lort Smith Animal Hospital, said.

 

Dr. Rich offered the fish's owners the option of putting the animal to sleep or paying for a life-saving operation to remove the tumor in its head. The owners, who weren't ready to let go of their beloved pet, opted for the latter. Last week, the tumor was successfully removed from George's head, and the goldfish could live for another 10 to 20 years.

 

Dr. Rich performed the procedure by first putting George in a bucket of water containing an anesthetic. After the goldfish was asleep, the vet began the operation. When the surgery was completed -- and the large tumor successfully removed -- George was given pain relievers and antibiotics, and began swimming again soon after.

 

While the procedure cost about AU$200 (US$180), George's owners, who have a total of 39 goldfish in their pond, say it was worth it.

 

George has since returned to the pond he shares with his other fish friends and is "swimming happily," according to Dr. Rich.