Pet owners urged to look out for blocked intestine symptoms

A dog with a habit for biting off more than he can chew has had lifesaving surgery after swallowing a radiator cap.

Two-year-old Ernie, a curious chocolate Labrador, underwent the operation at Tameside Veterinary Clinic in Droylsden, just over a year after a similar procedure when he gulped down a pawful of slate stones. 

His owner Stephanie Peddle is keen for other pet owners to be aware of the symptoms of intestinal obstructions, which can prove fatal. 

“Ernie was lucky because the vets responded very quickly both times and got him into surgery. Last year I didn’t realise he had been picking up ornamental stones from the garden, but he suddenly started vomiting and was very lethargic.  

“I couldn’t believe it when, a year later, a heating engineer was here and Ernie, quick as a flash, grabbed a radiator cap off the floor and swallowed it.  

“He has a lovely nature, but Labradors are renowned for swallowing things, and I have to watch him constantly. 

“I would advise anyone whose pet gets symptoms such as vomiting and lethargy to get them checked out straight away because you never know what is causing it.” 

Other signs of a blockage include diarrhoea, straining to poo, abdominal pain and a lack of appetite. 

After an X-ray showed a build-up of intestinal gas, the team tried fishing the radiator cap out of Ernie’s stomach using an endoscope. However, it had already passed into his large intestine, so vet Tom Maxwell chose to massage the cap out through the dog’s colon. 

According to Tom, it came along with some other objects: “There was also some green hard plastic and a chocolate wrapper as well!  

“Ernie was very lucky. Foreign bodies can cause a blockage and cause pets to vomit and get dehydrated. If there for too long, it can prevent blood supply to the tissue which can make the pet very sick. In those instances, we have to remove sections of damaged intestine which is a riskier surgery and can take longer to heal.” 

Ernie has since made a full recovery at his home near Stalybridge.