Fish surgery and the decline of civilization

All Things Considered: "A growing number of veterinarians are being trained to treat pet fish that fall ill. The first documented operation on a sick goldfish was performed in 1993 at North Carolina State University."

For me, this conjures up Simpsons-esque images of doctors charging up teeny-tiny defibrillator paddles and yelling, "Don't quit on me now, Bubbles!"

Is this the advent of post-postmaterialism? Do we simply have too much money and disposable time? Have we cured cancer yet? What's happening here?