Corsham dog faced urgent surgery after eating corn on cob

Chocolate Labrador Gwen from Corsham was rushed to Garden Veterinary Group in Bristol Road, Chippenham by her worried owners when she stopped eating and started vomiting.

The young dog was given medication, but this didn’t stop her sickness.

It was only after an ultrasound scan and X-ray that found a solid object blocking her intestine that Gwen had to undergo two hours of surgery to remove it, prompting vets to remind people to not let their pets eat ‘discarded food.’

Garden Vets vet Rowenna Hallam, who performed Gwen’s operation, said even swallowing a piece of the foodstuff is very dangerous for dogs and in some cases can be fatal.

The piece of corn removed from Gwen the dog's intestines

She said: “Dogs can’t digest corn on the cob because it is very fibrous, and it'll sit in the stomach or intestines and cause a blockage.

"If not removed, it could lead to intestinal damage and sepsis, which can be very serious and even life threatening.

“Gwen’s intestines were red and inflamed and the piece of corn cob had stopped her gut from moving, but she was lucky because even though her owners didn’t know she’d eaten something dangerous, they brought her to us as soon as they realised their pet wasn’t herself.”

After her surgery, Gwen was observed overnight and discharged the following day. 

Rowenna added: “My advice to pet owners is to be careful with food when you are having a barbecue.

"Make sure all items are kept out of the reach of dogs and any leftovers disposed of carefully. 

“Also, when out and about with your dog, try and avoid them eating discarded food.

"If they do pick something up in their mouth, encourage them to drop it by offering them a treat or their favourite toy.

"If you go to grab it from their mouth, they're more likely to gulp it down.

"Anyone who's concerned about something their dog has eaten can call the practice for advice.”

Gwen has recovered from her ordeal and is back home in Corsham with her owners Kat and Rob Fulford.

Mrs Fulford said: “Gwen's very special to us because we bred her and she was the only puppy from the litter that we kept, so it was a very worrying time when she was ill."