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Fake eye for bullied fish
fish surgery
Vets attached a taxidermy eye using nylon sutures and titanium clips.

US vets perform surgery to prevent bullying

A one-eyed fish has undergone surgery to attach a new prosthetic eye to stop it being bullied by other fish.

The copper rockfish had to have one of its eyes removed when it developed cataracts, but other fish began to show aggression towards it.

Dr Martin Haulena, head vet at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, used a taxidermy eye to replace the real eye.

Working alongside Dr Lesanna Lahner, Seattle Aquarium's head vet, Dr Haulena attached a taxidermy eye to the bone above the eye socket using nylon sutures and titanium clips.

According to Vancouver Aquarium, the surgery was successful in preventing the bullying behaviour and the rockfish is once again on display at the centre.

The surgery had never been performed at the aquarium before, but a yellowtail rockfish has since undergone the same procedure.

To watch the video of the surgery, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og70cLV04uo

Image ©Vancouver Aquarium/Danny Kent

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.