I am happy to report that the Redtail-Tiger Shovelnose hybrid catfish is doing exceedingly well.
The big catfish is actually spending more time cruising in front of the 7 foot window in his 2400 gallon back yard aquarium; it seem as though he is always there now. The scar tissue is clean, white and appears to be healing properly. I haven't noticed the fish favoring the pectoral fin where the tumor was attached nor swimming in any way out of the ordinary. He is eating aggressively and has a fat belly.
I think in most cases fish surgery has every chance of success when the subject is properly sedated and has adequate well oxygenated water moving uniformly over its gills while on the operating table. The doctor must have good hands and work quickly without stressing the fish unnecessarily. Dr. Hancock, DVM at the Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish Washington knows his stuff and had no problem adjusting to the arrival of a much larger fish than I had led him to believe. The other element contributing to the success was his assistant; she never spoke and her eyes never left the fish. It is a tedious and difficult job just keeping water running into the fish's mouth during the entire procedure.
To say I was partial to this fish would be an understatement. At feeding time the hybrid is right under my hand as I drop in the food; does he wonder what it will be today: shrimp, beef heart, hot dogs, Silver Cup Trout Food, or perhaps a fresh mouse left on the walkway by my guard cats.
