Ham’s story is a wild ride from start to finish! It’s incredible how something as seemingly benign as hairbands can lead to such a dramatic situation. Here’s a more detailed version:
The Unexpected Crisis
Ham, a vibrant two-year-old Pug cross, was known for her boundless energy and uncontainable excitement over the smallest things. Her mom, Victoria Northwood, had always been used to her furry friend’s enthusiastic bark and playful antics. However, recently, Victoria noticed a change in Ham’s behavior. The usually lively pup seemed under the weather, prompting Victoria to seek veterinary help.
Initially, the vet didn’t suspect anything too serious but advised Victoria to bring Ham in for a precautionary check-up. Neither of them could have anticipated the startling discovery that awaited them.
The Startling Discovery
At the Newtone Clarke Veterinary Surgery, an X-ray revealed something unusual in Ham’s stomach. While the vet had a hunch about the nature of the foreign objects, he refrained from making any premature statements to avoid alarming Victoria. Despite his concerns, it was clear that Ham required surgery.
Dr. Emily Whitby, a veterinary surgeon at the clinic, was tasked with performing the operation. When the surgery was completed, the results were beyond shocking. Emily reported that Ham’s stomach had been filled with “around 50 to 60 hairbands.” The sheer quantity was startling, especially considering that the hairbands weighed nearly 7 ounces.
The Weight of the Situation
Given that Ham herself weighed only about 2 pounds, it was astonishing to think how she managed to carry such a significant burden inside her tiny body. The fact that she had been functioning at all with so many hairbands in her system is a testament to her resilience.
Victoria was overwhelmed with relief that the surgery was successful but was also stunned by the extent of the situation. “We knew she ate the odd hairband as we had noticed them coming out the other end, but nothing prepared us for the amount they found in there,” she told the BBC.
A Happy, Mischievous Recovery
Fortunately, Ham’s recovery was swift. After a short stay at the clinic, she was allowed to return home. The veterinary team reported that she was back to her mischievous self, though they humorously noted that they hoped she had learned her lesson about hairbands!
Victoria was immensely grateful to the veterinary team for their swift and careful handling of the situation. She promised to keep a much closer eye on Ham to prevent any future incidents. “We were really shocked that this could happen and so grateful to the vets for their vigilance and for listening to us when we went to them with a hunch that all was not well,” Victoria expressed. “We are keeping a much closer eye on her now — it is such a relief that she is okay.”
A Lesson Learned
Ham’s case is a reminder of how easily pets can get into trouble, often in ways we might not expect. It also highlights the importance of paying close attention to unusual behavior in pets and seeking veterinary help when needed. Thanks to Victoria’s quick action and the vet’s expertise, Ham is back to her playful self, but this experience serves as a cautionary tale about keeping potentially harmful items out of reach of our curious furry friends.
Ham’s story is not only a testament to the incredible work of veterinarians but also a reminder for all pet owners to be vigilant about the small, potentially dangerous things in our pets’ environments.