Puppy bites off more than he can chew - and ends up at the vets

A LABRADOR-cross puppy needed urgent treatment after swallowing the entire silicon head of a spatula during a moment of kitchen mischief.

Three-month-old Marlo has a talent for sniffing out snacks and had successfully scavenged kibble from a food cupboard.

But when owner Tyler Ferris prepared a peanut butter 'licky mat' for the hungry hound, Marlo decided to gulp down the head of the spatula being used to prepare the treat.

This promoted an urgent dash to Albert Cottage Vet Clinic, Saltash, Cornwall, where vets attempted to induce vomiting using apomorphine, but the spatula remained stuck in his stomach.

Marlo was then referred to the specialist internal medicine team at Bristol Vet Specialists for treatment.

When he arrived at BVS, the puppy underwent a series of investigations and an ultrasound revealed his stomach was markedly distended - and filled with a large amount of kibble.

A lateral abdominal radiograph then confirmed the spatula, which was later measured at 6.5cm by 3.5cm, was also still inside the stomach.

With the object posing a risk of gastrointestinal trauma or obstruction if left untreated, Marlo was placed under general anaesthetic by the specialist anaesthesia team before undergoing an endoscopic retrieval.

Using a long endoscopic camera inserted through his mouth and oesophagus, the team navigated through the mountain of partially digested kibble until they spotted the spatula head.

Grasping forceps were then used to catch hold of the spatula and guide it back out through Marlo’s mouth.

After gently decompressing his stomach, the puppy was woken from anaesthesia and monitored closely.

Despite the drama, Marlo made an uneventful recovery and was able to go home just a couple of hours later.

He was discharged without medication but with strict instructions to be watched closely - especially around the kitchen.

The case was led at BVS by Lorna Hardy, resident in internal medicine, under the supervision of Emma Roberts, RCVS recognised specialist and EBVS European veterinary specialist in small animal internal medicine.

Lorna said: "We see a range of foreign body cases, but a whole spatula head is certainly one of the more memorable ones.

"Fortunately, Marlo was referred quickly and we were able to remove the object without complications. He recovered extremely well, and we’re pleased he’s back home and doing brilliantly."

A relieved Tyler, who lives in Saltash, said: "When we finally got to BVS the staff there where incredibly helpful.

"They took us in and had everything explained to us clearly so we knew what was happening and what need to happen with Marlo.

"Considering what they had to do we didn’t have to wait too long to get our little man back."

The spatula has since been 'retired' from kitchen duties.

To learn more about BVS visit https://www.bristolvetspecialists.co.uk