'Act quickly': Vet warning issued after Leeds Beagle swallows sewing needle in frightening home accident
‘If you think your pet has swallowed a potentially harmful object, act quickly and call a vet straight away’
A veterinary surgeon has issued a warning after an 18-month-old Beagle swallowed a sewing needle - but, fortunately, didn’t require a single stitch.
Penny was brought into Leeds Birstall Vets for Pets Hospital after her owner believed she had swallowed a sewing needle at home.
The curious pooch had been exploring somewhere she shouldn’t have been when her owner, Laura, briefly spotted a metallic-looking object in her mouth before it was swallowed.
Despite Penny showing no immediate symptoms, Laura rushed her to the veterinary clinic as quickly as possible. On examination, the team noted she was not coughing, retching, vomiting, or showing signs of discomfort.
However, aware of the potentially life-threatening internal injuries that can result from swallowing sharp objects, Penny underwent an X-ray, which confirmed the needle was located in her stomach.
Penny was placed under general anaesthetic by graduate veterinary surgeon Anna Pollard, who performed an endoscopy to locate and retrieve the foreign object.
The needle was quickly identified and carefully removed using specialist equipment, meaning Penny avoided invasive surgery. Following further checks, Anna confirmed the needle had caused no internal damage.
Penny made a swift recovery and was discharged home the same day.
“Penny’s case shows how quickly a pet can swallow something it shouldn’t and still appear completely fine,” warned Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner at Leeds Birstall Vets for Pets, Keith Leonard.
“If you think your pet has swallowed a potentially harmful object, act quickly and call a vet straight away. And if you have a naturally inquisitive pet, make sure dangerous items are stored securely or kept out of reach.”