A fishy experience for Brindy

Brindy came to see us one afternoon after her owners noticed her drooling and she had vomited once. They were confident Brindy had swallowed a fishhook which we suspected was causing her clinical signs.

The Xray clearly shows the fish hookBrindy was admitted to hospital and some xrays were taken to show us where the fishhook was located. Fortunately, being a metal object fishhooks show up very well on xray and we found the fishhook in her oesophagus.

We passed the endoscope down Brindy’s oesophagus to see the hook. An endoscope is a flexible scope with a light source on the end which can be used to visualize objects in the oesophagus, airway, intestines and sinuses and can be used to retrieve foreign bodies and take biopsies.

With a long pair of forceps we were able to gently manipulate the hook out of her oesophagus and remove it. If we were unable to get the fishhook out this way it would have meant a big operation for Brindy so fortunately everything went smoothly in this case.

Foreign bodies stuck in the oesophagus often cause persistent drooling, lethargy and vomiting. If you notice any of these signs please phone the surgery for us to check your pet over.

Brindy has made a full recovery and hopefully won’t be swallowing any more fishhooks!