William H Wildgoose MRCVS
Pet fish vet
Corneal tumours in goldfish
The cornea is the transparent window at the front of the eye and because fish have no eyelids, it is more prone to physical damage. It has a complex cell structure and is covered with a transparent thin layer of skin. Tumours of the cornea are not uncommon in goldfish, and many are spindle cell tumours which are common although the eye is disproportionately affected. The appearance and colour of these tumours can vary significantly. Treatment options are limited and although cryosurgery has been effective in some cases, many are presented at an advanced stage and enucleation (surgical removal) is usually necessary. Click here for a report on cases in America.
This 2-year old goldfish developed a tumour in the upper part of the cornea over 3 months. There were also a few small tumours on the skin on its body. Coincidentally, the fish came from a tank which had previously held another goldfish that developed a similar much larger tumour, also in the left eye.
Anaesthesia is required to assess the extent of these tumours and if there is invasion into any surrounding tissues. Here, the tumour is localised to the upper half of the eyeball. Unfortunately, before surgery could be planned, the eye was accidentally removed when the owner used a gravel siphon to clean the tank. Surprisingly, the fish survived.
Corneal lesions resembling spindle cell tumours had been developing in the centre of both eyes of this 6-year old goldfish for 6 months. Additionally, there was a separate conical tumour that was loosely attached to the surface of the right eye which was surgically removed. There were no other tumours visible on the fish’s body.
This 2-year old goldfish developed a tumour in the upper part of the cornea over 3 months. There were also a few small tumours on the skin on its body. Coincidentally, the fish came from a tank which had previously held another goldfish that developed a similar much larger tumour, also in the left eye.