A beloved pet goldfish that underwent emergency surgery is now "swimmingly well", according to a veterinarian at an animal hospital in Australia. 

George had been suffering a life threatening tumour on its head. It was having trouble eating and getting around and was being bullied by the other fish.

George's owner was given the choice between an operation or having him sleep.

"You know, we love George, he's been great company and we've had some good laughs out of him." he said.

So the goldfish went under the knife.

Veterinarian Tristan Rich sedated George and removed the tumour from his brain in a 45 minute procedure. Oxygenated pond water was pumped through its gills to keep him alive.

"And then closing up did prove quite difficult because there wasn't much skin to work with so managed to close half of it up with some sutures, just your standard sutures, really small ones and then had to seal it off with some tissue glue."

The 10-year-old fish is now expected to live for another 20 years.