On the 27th of November, Cuddles the dog started to vomit at home and became very lethargic. Her owner noticed that a Christmas decoration, which she had been playing with, had gone missing.
She was immediately taken to her regular veterinarian where she was placed on a drip, and given pain relief, antibiotics, and anti-vomiting medication. Despite this care, when Cuddles went home, the following day, she continued to vomit. Her worried fur-mom then took her to the local Animal Emergency Centre for further investigation.
Diagnosis
At the Animal Emergency Centre, radiographs were done, which confirmed that there was an obstruction in Cuddle’s gastrointestinal tract. Exploratory surgery of Cuddles’ abdomen was then performed to remove the obstruction. During the surgery, the vet found the missing Christmas decoration: two balls connected by a ribbon. One ball was lodged in her stomach, and the other had travelled further along her small intestines, with the attached ribbon still connecting both balls. Unfortunately, this had caused some damage along the way, and she needed multiple incisions into her intestines as well as her stomach to remove the Christmas decorations.
Cuddles’ body had been through a lot and this required hospitalisation for an extended period after her surgery. During this time, along with other intensive treatments, she was given two plasma transfusions, pain relief, antibiotics and IV fluids, and monitored very closely.
After four days of intensive care at the AEC, Cuddles was able to eat and drink again. With an increased level of energy, she was much happier in herself. Soon enough, Cuddles recovered well enough to return home just in time to celebrate Christmas with the rest of her family.