VETS CARRY OUT SURGERY TO SAVE DOG FROM STICKY SITUATION

River, the dog who swallowed a 20cm stick, saved by by Anderson Moores

A Springador dog has had a lucky escape after swallowing a 20cm stick while out playing with her owners.

The swallowed stick speared through five-year-old River’s mouth and oesophagus, perforated her stomach wall and embedded itself in her abdominal wall.

The stricken pet was referred to Linnaeus-owned Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Hampshire where she underwent urgent surgery to remove the stick and she’s since made a full recovery.

However, expert vet Rob Quinn, who is a specialist in small animal surgery, said River’s case was yet another example of the dire dangers of dogs playing with sticks.

Rob explained: “As vets, we see stick injuries far too often and sometimes they can be life-threatening.

“Sticks always carry a risk of impalement and River was very lucky the stick she picked up just went into the oesophagus and out through her stomach, missing her vital organs.

“Surgery involved a large abdominal incision and then a controlled opening into the stomach wall to remove the damaged tissue where the stick had perforated.

“The hole in the stomach was then repaired so that no leakage would occur post-operatively.

“I have treated a number of these type of cases in the past and, with the experienced team at Anderson Moores, it means complex surgeries are commonly performed without major complications.

“It’s such an easily avoidable risk, though. Throwing a soft toy or a ball with holes in it, to prevent inadvertent choking, would be a much safer way to play fetch with your dog.”

River’s owners, Alison and Paul Angell, from Winchester, are certainly more aware of the damage sticks can cause and have invested in some soft toys River can play with safely.

Alison admitted it was a shocking experience and an anxious time but praised specialist Rob and the Anderson Moores team for their care and expertise.

She said: “We were very upset and just wanted the best for River. We were extremely concerned.

“Throughout the process we were kept well informed and really felt listened to. There was a feeling of calm at the practice which was very reassuring and we would definitely recommend them.

“River is back to her old self again now, mad as a box of frogs, like any dog with a spaniel brain. She still loves a stick to play with but these are strictly forbidden now!”

Anderson Moores offers specialist care in anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, feline hyperthyroid clinic, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, and soft tissue surgery.

For more information, visit www.andersonmoores.com or search for Anderson Mores Veterinary Specialists on social media.

Read our other veterinary and animal health news here…

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