A rescue dog named Rocco faces a near-death experience after swallowing a ball.
In a heartwarming tale of bravery and quick thinking, Ray Howell from Aberdeen has expressed his gratitude to the veterinary team at Mintlaw Vets for saving his beloved rescue dog, Rocco. The incident unfolded when Rocco, a three-year-old Doberman, accidentally swallowed his favorite toy while playing in the garden, leading to a frantic rush to the clinic.
The terrifying moment
Rocco, who was adopted after suffering abuse in his previous home, was enjoying a sunny afternoon with his family when the accident occurred. Ray had returned home from work during his lunch break to watch Rocco and the family’s other Doberman, Stella, play.
In a playful moment, Rocco attempted to grab both his purple ball and Stella’s toy, which resulted in a tragic accident. As he collided with Stella, the ball lodged in his throat, causing him to struggle for breath.
“He was standing still, really oddly, and when I put my hand on his neck, I could feel the swelling of the bulge of the ball,” Ray recounted. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Ray quickly placed Rocco in the car and sped to the veterinary clinic, where time was of the essence.
Veterinary intervention
Upon arrival at Mintlaw Vets, Rocco was already semi-conscious and in distress. The veterinary team acted swiftly, sedating him and applying firm upward pressure to his throat to dislodge the ball. Thanks to their expertise and prompt action, they successfully removed the obstruction just in time. Rocco was then given oxygen to aid his recovery, and Ray was relieved to take him home later that same day.
“It was all over so quickly, but it was so scary,” Ray admitted. “We’ve always supervised the dogs playing, which is why I saw what happened.” The experience has prompted Ray to take extra precautions, ensuring that Rocco now plays with balls that are three times the size of his previous toy to prevent any future incidents.
Choosing safe toys for pets
Holly McKinley, deputy regional veterinary director at Pet Health Club, emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate toys for dogs. “It’s important to choose balls and toys that are a suitable size for your breed,” she advised. “Most dog balls and toys include a size guide to help you choose the right size for your dog. If in doubt, you should err on the side of caution and choose a ball slightly larger than you think they’ll need to reduce the risk of choking.”
In the unfortunate event that a ball does become lodged, McKinley urges pet owners to contact their veterinarian immediately. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers pets face and the critical role that veterinary professionals play in ensuring their safety and well-being.
