Pet owners are being warned about the dangers of giving bones to their animals after a Labrador had to have her tongue amputated following a horrific accident. Summer, an eight-year-old pooch, was given an air-dried lamb bone from a pet shop as a birthday treat by her owner Victoria Dodson.
However, less than a day later, Summer was rushed to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester for emergency treatment when Victoria discovered blood dripping from her mouth and her tongue severely swollen. The vets found that string from the bone had wrapped around her tongue, cutting off the blood supply.
In a desperate attempt to save Summer’s tongue, leeches were applied to the area to try and improve blood flow, but sadly, they were eventually forced to amputate it. Victoria, who resides between Winchester and Andover, Hamps, said: “We gave Summer a lamb bone which I had bought from a pet store as it was her birthday.”
She added: “She went off to chew it for most of the afternoon. It was the first time I had ever given her a bone and kept an eye on her while she was eating it.”
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Victoria noticed something was wrong when Summer started making noises as if she was going to be sick. “The following morning, we came down to her tongue swollen and protruding, with blood dripping from her mouth.”
Since the incident, Victoria has had to make adjustments to Summer’s lifestyle, but thankfully, the dog is now back to her old self.
Victoria revealed: “Summer does have to eat and drink differently and now throws food back into her mouth, so we give her a mix of biscuits and wet food to make it easier to eat.”
“We also wipe her mouth and front legs as she can’t lick herself clean anymore.”
“During hot weather we have been extra cautious, as she is more prone to heat stroke as she can’t pant.”
“If you looked at her you wouldn’t know she only had 40 per cent of her tongue left.”
“She is cheerful within herself and is able to lead a full life.”
Highlighting the innovative surgical approach, Hilario Gonzalez Montano, surgical resident at Linnaeus-owned Anderson Moores who treated Summer, shared: “We used leeches, which keep blood flowing in the damaged area, but after a few days it became clear the tongue would need to be removed.”
“We had to remove about 60 per cent of her tongue but now Summer is back fighting fit and feeling better after her freak accident.”
Explaining the risk involving dogs and bones, he added: “There are lots of injuries which can be caused by bones, although this is definitely one of the more unusual, but we recommend not to give them to your dog just in case.”