THE MYSTERY UNRAVELLED

There was a long, drawn-out silence on the other end of the phone. A pause insistent on decision. I took a measured breath inward, and tried to make sense of the scant symptoms relayed in matter-of-fact terms by the veterinarian.

Our prized breeding girl, Garam Masala was unwell. Lethargy; anorexia, nausea and dehydration were her main symptoms.  We had been on this roller coaster of sickness for almost a week. Blood tests, x-rays revealed no secrets with the exception of mild markers of inflammation. By all accounts, she was a healthy dog.

The vet explained that it was possible, Masala was in the early stages of pyometra. A uterine infection that could be fatal if not treated promptly. The phone call was on a Saturday, mid morning and the clinic would soon close for the weekend.

“Let’s spay her”, I heard myself say. “It is the option of least risk and our greatest priority is the wellbeing of this beautiful girl”.

BETTER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

After spending several thousand dollars on emergency, after hours surgery, I fully expected to celebrate that Masala was on the mend. It was not to be. 

Beatrice was still unwell! On Monday morning, Masala was off to Melbourne to visit a specialist vet who could run more tests using technologically advanced equipment.

Every test under the sun was administered. The search for markers of auto-immune diseases; Addisons disease; skeletal disorders; viral and bacterial infections etc., Bloodwork showed mild elevation of white blood cells and an increase in CRP (C-Reactive Proteins) otherwise all other tests came back within the normal range. Ping, ping, ping, the cash register calculated the price of uncertainty in thousand dollar units of currency.

BINGO - A CAUSE WAS FOUND

Eventually the cause was found. Ingested foreign bodies can be difficult to detect. Our local vets had not seen anything unusual on X-ray or ultrasound. Eventually, however the specialist Vet used advanced radiological equipment (CT Scan) to locate a small, irregular shaped foreign object, lodged in the intestines.  Masala had swallowed a frayed piece of rubber frisbee (old dog toy) that had been left in the yard. 

 

Finally the road to true recovery could begin. It would be major surgery and not without risk but in Masala’s case, her story has a happy ending.

SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Recognizing symptoms early is vital. Typical signs your dog might have eaten something they shouldn’t include:

  • Vomit or dry heaving (with or without food)
  • Loss of appetite (anorexia)
  • Lethargy or depression
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Drooling, neck discomfort, or gagging
  • Behavioral changes (restlessness or guarding the belly)

Note: A dog may initially have no symptoms, especially if the object is not completely lodged, so it’s not affecting breathing. Check with a veterinarian if you even suspect ingestion, without symptoms, specifically.

PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN THE CURE

Our first miniature Labradoodle, Burrinjuck Slipper was a demon for eating the gusset out of underwear and ingesting socks. They are super appealing as socks and underwear carry delicious odours of their favourite human.  How lucky we were that she did not experience a blockage. Socks, ribbon and String, even  objects like tampons are actually really dangerous. The string can get wrapped around the stomach or bowel and slice the organs when pulled. It is important not to tug the end of string for this reason. Seek medical assistance.

Tip 1: Pet Proof Your Home. 

Take the time to prepare your home to accommodate the indiscriminate tastes of a little puppy prone to putting anything in it’s mouth. 

Tip 2: Choose Safe Pet Toys 

Buy high quality pet toys with no small parts that can be broken off or swallowed.  Throw out any old items that appear torn, or showing signs of disintegration. Beware of those cheap chew toys that are imitation raw hide. They are well known to cause obstruction and do not break down in the gut.  

Tip 3: Supervise Play Time.

Watch dogs chew on bones and toys. Rope toys can be particularly problematic.

Tip 4: Training the “Leave it” Command.

I am reminded about the time when Burrinjuck Sebastian got into the bin in our bathroom and retrieved a tampon. At the very moment I cornered him and tried to remove the object from his mouth, I watched him swallow it in one loud gulp. How I wish I had trained him to follow the “Drop It” Command.

Puppies have a strong urge to chew on everything and anything.

INSURANCE IS A GREAT OPTION

I reached out to Trupanion Insurance and asked for any data that they could provide around the ingestion of foreign objects. Burrinjuck Labradoodles offer free 30 day insurance with Trupanion as part of our “Take Home” offer with all our pet puppies.  Statistically, one million dollars was re-imbursed to new owners who had taken advantage of the free 30 days cover related to foreign body surgeries (from 2022 up until March 23rd this year).

The  most common items swallowed were toxic materials such as poisons, rat bait, plants, mushrooms, potting mix, face paint, raisins, cocaine, party foods, grapes, chocolate, medications such as contraceptive pills, paracetamol/nurofen, marijuana gummies etc., Foreign objects were rocks, string, toys, remote controls, needles, rocks, hair bands, satay stick, grass seeds, cooked bones, corn cobs, cutlery, hair clips, razors, and poo bags.

Surgical intervention for ingested foreign objects can cost between $8000 and $16000. That’s an expensive culinary meal. My strong recommendation would be to take advantage of the free 30 day insurance offer that comes with all of our puppies. We are proudly supported by Trupanion insurance and have a gold star rating due to the health and wellbeing of puppies in our breeding program.