DOG owners are being urged to be aware of what their pets get up to on walks after a cross-breed required life-saving surgery having swallowed a rubber ball.
Doug, a two-year-old Labradoodle crossed with a Tibetan Terrier, was rushed to New Era Veterinary Hospital after his owner became worried he had eaten an object while on a walk.
His owners Sabina Danzer and Michael Le Moine noticed Doug had become restless and started showing signs of being in pain – stretching his body out with his front legs forward, whimpering, and rolling around on the floor.
At New Era, an examination found that something unusual could be felt in his abdomen. An X-Ray confirmed that a misplaced object was stuck in his digestive system.
Vet Jack Varley then had to perform an emergency surgery on the dog, removing what is believed to be the “skin” of a yellow ball, resembling banana peel.
Mr Varley confirmed that the rubber object was around five-inches long, and had created a dangerous blockage after reaching the dog’s small intestine, which could have been fatal had it not been urgently removed.
“Doug is very lucky that his owners reacted quickly and brought him to us as soon as they noticed something was wrong with their pet,” said Mr Varley. “It meant we could remove the object before it caused any serious damage to his intestines by preventing food material travelling through the digestive system.
“If we hadn’t operated, the intestinal tissue would have started to become necrotic, potentially leading to sepsis, and it would have been very painful for the dog.
“It’s also a good idea to be aware of the signs of a blockage, which include being lethargic, vomiting, losing their appetite and signs of being in pain, similar to the signs shown by Doug.”
Owners Sabina and Michael were able to welcome Doug home after a two-night stay at the veterinary hospital where he was constantly monitored.
Sabina said: “It was really scary when Doug was unwell, but Jack and the team at New Era Veterinary Hospital gave him the best possible care. Within half an hour of us calling the hospital, Doug was being seen, and they gave us regular updates which helped reassure us.
“It is very strange because we don’t have any objects like that at home and I usually walk him on a lead. He does like investigating hedges and bushes, where he might have found the ball, but I don’t recall seeing him picking up or eating anything. It is a bit of a mystery, but I would urge other owners to keep a close eye on their pets when they’re out on walks, because I wouldn’t want another dog to go through this.”
