Ham, a two-year-old Pug cross, is known for her boundless energy and enthusiasm. Even the smallest stimuli would send her into a flurry of barks and wiggles. However, her human, Victoria Northwood, began to notice that Ham wasn’t quite herself lately. Usually bursting with vitality, the little dog seemed a bit off, which raised concerns for her well-being.
A Worried Owner Takes Action
Fearing for her furry friend’s health, Victoria did what any concerned pet owner would do—she called the vet. The vet, while not overly alarmed initially, advised Victoria to bring Ham in for a checkup, just to be safe. Neither Victoria nor the vet had any clue about the surprise that awaited them at the veterinary clinic.
A Shocking Discovery at the Vet
Upon arrival at Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgery, Ham was promptly X-rayed, revealing something unusual in her stomach. The image was unclear, and the vet hesitated to make a premature diagnosis, not wanting to alarm Victoria unnecessarily. However, it was evident that whatever was in Ham’s stomach was serious enough to require immediate surgery. The task of operating was handed over to Emily Whitby, a skilled veterinary surgeon.
The Unexpected Culprit: Hairbands!
After the successful surgery, Emily delivered astounding news. According to a BBC report, Emily disclosed that she had removed “around 50 to 60 hairbands” from Ham’s stomach. This revelation was astonishing, especially given that these hairbands together weighed almost 7 ounces—a significant load for a dog that only weighs about 2 pounds. The fact that Ham had been managing with so much extra weight inside her was truly miraculous.
The Relief of a Successful Surgery
Victoria was both relieved and shocked by the outcome of the surgery. She knew Ham occasionally swallowed hair bands, as they had seen some pass through her system, but she had never imagined the magnitude of her dog’s ingestion. Victoria expressed her disbelief and gratitude towards the vets for their expert care and attention, which had likely saved Ham’s life.
Ham’s Swift Recovery and Return to Mischief
Despite the ordeal, Ham’s recovery was swift. She was soon back home, gradually returning to her usual mischievous self. Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons shared on their Facebook page that while Ham is back to her playful antics at home, she has hopefully given up her quest for hairbands.
A New Vigilance at Home
The incident left a lasting impact on Victoria, who vowed to prevent such a situation from happening again. She emphasized the importance of keeping a closer watch on Ham to ensure her safety. The experience underscored the unpredictable nature of pet ownership and the need for vigilance regarding what pets have access to in their environment.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Pet Owners
Victoria’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for all pet owners about the importance of monitoring what their pets ingest. Small objects like hairbands can easily be overlooked but pose significant risks if swallowed. Pet owners are encouraged to keep such items out of reach and to pay close attention to their pets’ behavior and health.
Conclusion: A Happy Ending with Valuable Insights
This surprising turn of events for Ham and Victoria highlights the unique challenges of caring for pets. It also showcases the incredible work of veterinarians who go above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of our beloved animals. Thankfully, with Ham’s recovery and return to normalcy, this story has a happy ending, but it leaves us with important reminders about pet care and vigilance.
