A vet has issued a warning for dog owners after a family pet needed life-saving surgery after eating corn on the cob.
The corn on the cob was seen as a solid object in the x-ray scan after two-year-old Cocker Spaniel Roman stole the vegetable at his home in Hull, The Mirror reports. Although corn on the cob is not toxic for dogs, it is indigestible and likely to cause a blockage.
Blockages can prevent solids and fluids from moving through the stomach, which can end up being fatal to your pet. Roman was closely monitored by the veterinary team at Haven Vets for several hours before being discharged to rest at home.
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Haven Vets is now warning owners to be extra vigilant when dogs are in the kitchen, near barbecues, picnics or around waste they could consume that may be deadly. Vet Jordan Sinclair surgically removed the object by making a small incision in Roman’s stomach so she could carefully retrieve the cob before stitching up the wound.
Jordan Sinclair said: “Corn on the cob can cause choking in dogs or it is highly likely to cause a blockage as it passes through the gastric tract if they do manage to swallow it. They will start being sick and if it gets lodged in the intestine it can cause parts of the gut to die off and affect the blood supply to those areas. There’s a risk the dog could become very ill or even die.
“Thankfully Roman’s owners acted very quickly, which is really important and made it much more likely that he went on to make a full recovery. I would urge dog owners to be extra careful with any food at home and when out walking. If you think they have swallowed something they shouldn’t, get them to the vet as soon as possible.”
Roman’s owners Danielle and Kevin Shaw have thanked Haven Vets for saving his life. Danielle said: “That’s the first time Roman has done that. He never normally chews anything in the house – he runs off with the occasional sock but always gives it back. But he snatched the corn and swallowed it in one.
“I feared the worst. Thankfully we live about two minutes from Haven Vets in Hull, and they were great with him. We’ve taken him there since he was a puppy and I can’t thank them enough. We had to be strict with Roman while he recovered to make sure he rested but he is absolutely fine now.”
If you suspect your pet may have eaten corn, or any other dangerous food, Haven Vets urged owners to contact their local veterinary practice immediately.
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