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Constipated goldfish has £300 surgery
goldfish
The owner made the decision to pay £300 for the life-saving surgery.
Owner pays Norfolk vet hundreds of pounds to save his fishy friend

A goldfish owner from Norfolk has paid vets £300 to perform life-saving surgery on his constipated pet.

After taking the goldfish to the Toll Barn Veterinary Centre in North Walsham, he was told his pet would need surgery to remove the blockages.

Vet Faye Bethell, who performed the surgery, told the Telegraph: "I have never done a procedure like that on a goldfish, although I have done it before on more valuable fish like a carp.

"The actual surgery is quite straightforward but administering the anaesthetic is quite complicated. The issue was the fish couldn't poo and it would have eventually become toxic and it would have died.

"There was nothing special about the fish. He just liked it a lot. People love their pets - but that was an expensive little goldfish."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.