Helen Stobart, residing near Hesket Newmarket, recounts a harrowing incident involving her eight-year-old large Münsterländer named Dottie, hoping to raise awareness and prevent similar occurrences.
Describing the alarming event, Stobart explained, “I offered Dottie a dog treat she received for Christmas, and unfortunately, she consumed it too hastily, resulting in it becoming lodged in her throat.”
“The particular treat, known as dog paté, differs from our conventional paté in texture, being more solid. Packaged in tube form resembling sausages, measuring approximately 6 inches in length and 2 inches in thickness, these treats require careful cutting into smaller, bite-sized portions,” she added.
Stobart continued, “Throughout Saturday, Dottie displayed signs of distress, including persistent retching.”
Concerned about Dottie’s well-being, Stobart promptly sought veterinary assistance from Paragon Veterinary Group, Dalston, upon noticing her dog’s difficulty in keeping down food despite nibbling. Dottie was subsequently admitted for further assessment and received intravenous fluids to address dehydration.
Initially puzzled by the underlying issue, veterinarians at Paragon conducted X-rays, revealing a suspicious obstruction in the esophagus just preceding the stomach. Subsequent endoscopic examination unveiled a sizable mass of food, albeit attempts to dislodge it proved futile, necessitating surgical intervention via gastric access.
Dottie underwent surgery and remained under veterinary care from Sunday morning until Tuesday night, convalescing from the ordeal. Despite experiencing temporary alterations in her behavior post-surgery, she is steadily recuperating, much to the relief of her family.
Providing insights into the incident, Sarah Wallace, a veterinary surgeon at Paragon Vets, remarked, “While it’s uncommon for food to cause obstruction in this region, the size and texture of the treat led to an unfortunate blockage.”
Offering advice to dog owners, Wallace cautioned against providing hard treats, particularly for dogs prone to swallowing them whole, advocating instead for softer, smaller alternatives to minimize the risk of such incidents.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Stobart shared newfound strategies aimed at safeguarding other canines from similar predicaments, emphasizing the importance of slicing dog food into smaller portions and implementing separate feeding areas to encourage slower consumption.
Commending the veterinary team for their exemplary care and communication throughout the ordeal, Stobart expressed gratitude while underscoring the distressing nature of the experience and her desire to spare others from similar anguish.
