A Cocker Spaniel needed urgent abdominal surgery at a leading Woodward Vets after a corn on the cob became stuck in his stomach.
Owner Charlotte Trunkfield says five-year-old Che had pounced when the corn had dropped onto the kitchen floor and the family pet began vomiting soon after gobbling it down.
Charlotte rushed him to Woodward Veterinary Practice in Ashby where vets Mark Page and Michael Berman combined skills to ensure a successful outcome.
A grateful Charlotte, who lives in Ashby, said: “I was feeding my 17-month-old girl and she suddenly threw the corn on the cob on the floor.
“Che pounced and ran off with it and I chased him but I couldn’t see where it had gone.
“When Che started vomiting I soon realised that he had swallowed it and I rang Woodward Vets straight away and they told me to bring him in to be examined.”
Surgery to remove corn on the cob!
Che was immediately examined by Mark, who could feel a solid mass in the dog’s stomach while X-rays also showed an enlarged gaseous area.
Mark said: “The X-rays taken revealed more gas in Che’s intestines than we would normally expect which would suggest a greater than 90% chance that Che had an obstruction in his intestines.
“That’s why we made the decision that surgery was the best option to deal with the problem.”
Michael took charge of surgery and added: “I performed an exploratory laparotomy and a gastrotomy to initially remove a large portion of corn on the cob followed by smaller chunks which were subsequently found within the intestines and stomach.
“Surgery lasted an hour and a half and Che recovered well. At a post-operative check two weeks later he was eating and drinking normally, as well as passing faeces as normal.”
Charlotte added: “It was a worrying situation, especially as I was all on my own because my husband was away in Scotland.
“I was really upset, panicky and worried as I realised how serious the situation was and the risks associated with an operation.
“Everyone at Woodward was really supportive and helpful, though, and the vets did a great job. Che is absolutely back to normal now and we’re very thankful.
“One thing’s certain - corn on the cob is definitely off the menu now!”
Woodward Veterinary Practice has a highly trained veterinary team providing the best possible veterinary and preventative healthcare in Ashby de la Zouch and the surrounding areas.
Veterinary Care in Ashby
Call us on 01530 412035