Pet medics had to perform life-saving surgery after a pooch chowed down on a bit of veg.
A vet has issued a stark warning to pet owners about the dangers of a particular vegetable. Haven Veterinary Group in Hull had to carry out life-saving surgery on a cherished dog after he consumed an entire corn on the cob.
Roman, a Cocker Spaniel, gobbled down the vegetable whole at his home in 2024 before his owners could intervene. His worried family rushed him to Haven, where he required an emergency operation, reported The Mirror.
An X-ray revealed the corn on the cob as a solid object lodged in Roman’s stomach – and the pet medics had to operate to remove it. Although the vegetable is not poisonous for dogs, its hard core cannot be digested and could lead to internal blockages in the stomach which may prove fatal.
Haven has since issued a caution to all owners to be extra vigilant when dogs are around food, such as in the kitchen or at a barbecue, and to ensure that the pets don’t eat waste that could be lethal.
Jordan Sinclair was the vet who carried out the life-saving procedure on two-year-old Roman. She made a small cut in the dog’s stomach before removing the cob and stitching up Roman’s wound.
The adored Cocker Spaniel was observed in the practice before being discharged. He has since returned for follow-ups and has fully recovered.
Jordan warned: “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, expressed their gratitude to the vets for saving his life. Danielle shared: “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 on the cob, or any other dangerous food, you should contact your local veterinary practice immediately.
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