Deadly corn-on-the-cob removed from dog's stomach

21 May 2020

PDSA warns pet owners to be vigilant around ahead of National BBQ Week

A French Bulldog named Krug (4) from Gravesend, Kent, Needed an emergency operation after wolfing down a corn-on-the-cob!

Thankfully, our vet team were on hand to help by performing life-saving surgery. The doors to our Pet hospitals are still open to provide emergency treatment for pets in need during the coronavirus crisis.

Animal lovers can ensure our vital services can continue to help the UK's most vulnerable pets throughout the pandemic by supporting our Urgent Appeal.

Owner Victoria Stanley (36), who named her beloved pooch after Krug Champagne, is urging other pet owners to be cautious if having a BBQ this bank holiday weekend.

"The weather has been beautiful so we decided to have a BBQ. That night Krug started vomiting, and I guessed immediately that he'd eaten one of the corn-on-the-cobs which had gone missing. He kept being sick and acting strangely until the early hours so I called PDSA first thing the next morning."

After a phone consultation, Victoria was advised to take Krug to Gillingham PDSA Pet Hospital. He was admitted for investigations where vets performed scans and an X-ray, which made them suspicious that something could be lurking in his stomach.

Victoria was warned that her beloved pet would need an emergency operation to remove the cob causing a potentially fatal blockage. Anaesthesia and surgery always carry risks, but these risks are higher in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, like Krug. The shape of the face and size of the airways in these breeds (such as French Bulldogs and Pugs) leaves them more vulnerable to serious complications.

PDSA Vet Jenni LePard, said: “Krug’s stomach was painful, and the scans and symptoms all suggested a foreign body.

“We knew we had to operate and when we opened up his stomach we found an entire corn-on-the-cob!  

“With the warm weather here we’re seeing more cases of pets swallowing corn-on-the-cob and other harmful BBQs foods, such as bones and skewers. These can be incredibly dangerous, or even fatal in severe cases if they cause a blockage or perforations.”

After surgery Krug was kept in overnight at the hospital for monitoring before being discharged on pain relief. After lots of rest, he’s now gone on to make a full recovery.

Victoria said: “I was so worried when Krug was in hospital but I can’t thank PDSA enough for saving him.

“Krug is really prone to eating things he shouldn’t so I’ll have to be even more cautious, especially at this time.

“I’m so pleased he’s made such a good recovery – he’s back to his usual self now and starting to enjoy his daily walks again.”

Owners are advised to call their vet first if they think their pet may need emergency care, as they will have strict social distancing measures in place which will need to be followed.

In times of uncertainty and hardship, much-loved pets like Krug will still fall ill or be injured and need emergency, life-saving care. That’s when we steps in to help, but we are facing a crisis and need your help.

Our veterinary care – which is a lifeline to so many owners across the UK – costs £60 million a year to run. But with our retail shops closed and fundraising events cancelled, we are losing around £3 million a month in income.

And with the country plunged into financial uncertainly, and more than a million extra Universal Credit claims, we expect the number of pets needing support will increase by around 50,000.​