Ham’s story is a remarkable example of how important it is to pay close attention to our pets’ health and behaviors, even when the signs of trouble might seem minor. Victoria Northwood’s intuition and concern for her lively and playful Pug cross, Ham, led to a discovery that no one could have anticipated.
When Ham started acting a bit under the weather, Victoria promptly took her to Newtone Clarke Veterinary Surgery. The initial X-ray revealed something unusual in Ham’s stomach, but it wasn’t until the surgery was performed that the full extent of the issue became clear. Veterinary surgeon Emily Whitby found and removed a staggering 50 to 60 hairbands, weighing nearly 7 ounces, from Ham’s stomach. Considering Ham’s small size of about 2 pounds, it’s a miracle she managed to function at all with such a significant amount of foreign material in her stomach.
This situation underscores the curiosity and sometimes mischievous nature of pets, especially when it comes to ingesting non-food items. While Ham’s habit of eating hairbands might have seemed like a minor quirk, it turned into a potentially life-threatening condition. Victoria’s vigilance and the vet’s thorough examination and surgical intervention were crucial in saving Ham’s life.
The fact that Ham has recovered well and is back to her playful self is heartwarming. Victoria’s commitment to preventing a recurrence of this situation by keeping a closer eye on Ham is also commendable. This incident serves as a valuable reminder to all pet owners to monitor their pets closely and to seek veterinary advice even when the problem seems minor.
Ham’s story also highlights the dedication and skill of veterinary professionals who listen to pet owners’ concerns and take the necessary steps to diagnose and treat their pets. Thanks to their efforts, Ham is now safe, healthy, and back to causing mischief, albeit under closer supervision to avoid any more hairband hunts!