Meet Loki, the playful dog who was almost killed by tennis balls
A game of fetch ended in disaster for excitable dog Loki – after he swallowed two tennis balls whole.
Loki, a five-year-old crossbreed, needed life-saving surgery from the vet charity PDSA – and owners are now being warned of the potential risks from ball games.
Owner Amy, from Wolverhampton, explained: “Loki is a high-energy dog and he loves nothing more than a game of fetch.
“Most of his toys are the ‘super strong’ ones – he’s a gentle giant, but his toys don’t last long if they aren’t tough ones.
“But his favourites are tennis balls – he’s obsessed.
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“It was only when Loki refused to eat, and started being sick, we realised something was wrong.
“He was still active and playful, but it’s not like Loki to pass up some food. When the sickness didn’t stop we called PDSA, and they told us to bring him straight in for an appointment.”
Loki's x-rayLuckily for Loki, the team at Wolverhampton PDSA Pet Hospital acted fast and an X-ray revealed the problem: two whole balls lodged inside his stomach.
PDSA Vet Catherine Burke said: “Our vet teams treat ball-related injuries every year, which can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
“Loki’s situation was one of those life or death cases – without surgery, he would likely have died.
“One of the balls was lodged in his stomach, preventing him from keeping food down.”
Loki was taken into theatre and his emergency operation was a success, with both balls removed intact.
Catherine added: “If your dog loves to chew, there is also the risk they could swallow chewed-up parts of the tennis ball, which can still cause the same issues with gut blockage like in Loki’s case here.”
Following the surgery, Loki is recovering well and back to his fun, playful self.
The People's Pet Awards
Nominations are now open for the Mirror People’s Pet Awards with Webbox. We’re looking for cats, dogs and every pet in between who have saved and transformed lives, rescue animals who have overcome the odds, and pets who win the hearts of everyone they meet.
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There are also categories for adults and children who make a difference to animals’ lives. If your pet, or a pet you know, deserves an award find out more and nominate them at thepeoplespetawards.co.uk.
Your Pet Pics
Lost parrot (Miguel) rescued after flying to the Isle of Wight from mainland England (Beaulieu River)This plucky parrot was reunited with his owners after flying from the south coast over to the Isle of Wight.
Mischievous Miguel went missing from his home in the New Forest only to be found 15 miles away across the Solent at a car park in tourist town Sandown, with rescuers joking he must have needed a holiday.
The bird, an Alexandrine parakeet, was sent home in a cat carrier on a boat to the Beaulieu Harbour office team on the Beaulieu River, who adopted him last year. He had been found by the Wildheart Trust, an animal sanctuary and rescue centre based on the Isle of Wight.
The Trust said: “He obviously decided he needed a holiday from his busy job with the team at Beaulieu River, and what better place to go than the sandy shores of Sandown Bay.”
Skunk needs you!
Skunk is ready for a new adventureMeet Skunk, a one-year-old spinach-loving guinea pig in need of a new home. The long-haired black and white male has come on in leaps and bounds since arriving at the All Creatures Great and Small sanctuary near Ponthir, Gwent, in May – and is ready for a new adventure.
Kate Carlyle, the trustee at the charity, said the adorable pet was in a poor condition when he turned up.
“He had been housed with the other two males for around 12 months and had been picked on quite badly,” she said.“He was covered in bite wounds from head to toe and was severely underweight. Skunk spent a lot of time in foster care and back and forth to our local vets, receiving the treatment and recovery time he so desperately needed.
“Now that he’s been nursed back to full health, he is ready to find a new home. Skunk is neutered and is a very friendly boy – he likes to sit with people and be stroked. He is very sociable and loves a lap. His favourite treats are spinach and cauliflower.”
To find out more, visit allcreaturesgreatandsmall.org.uk.
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