Loki

PDSA Vets performed life-saving surgery on Loki, a tennis-loving dog, after he swallowed two balls.

Unfortunately, a game of fetch for Loki – with his loving owner, Amy – ended in an emergency trip to Wolverhampton PDSA Pet Hospital. Loki, a 5-year-old tennis ball-obsessed Crossbreed, swallowed two balls whole and needed life-saving surgery at PDSA to remove them from his stomach.

Amy explained: “Loki is a high-energy dog who loves nothing more than a game of fetch. Most of his toys are the ‘super strong’ ones – he’s a gentle giant, but his toys don’t last long if they aren’t tough. But tennis balls are his favourite… he’s obsessed!

“I realised something was wrong with Loki when he refused to eat and started being sick. He was still active and playful, but it’s not like him to pass up some food. When the sickness didn’t stop, we called Wolverhampton PDSA, and they told us to bring him straight in for an appointment.” 

When Loki arrived at Wolverhampton PDSA Pet Hospital, the vet team acted fast, and an X-ray of his stomach quickly revealed the problem: two whole balls.

Loki was taken into theatre under a general anaesthetic shortly after his X-rays. Thankfully, his emergency operation was successful, and PDSA Vets removed both balls from his stomach – one of which was a tennis ball. 

Speaking about the dangers associated with tennis balls, PDSA Vet Catherine Burke said: “Our vet teams treat ball-related injuries every year, which can quickly become life-threatening. Loki’s situation was a case of life or death, as he would likely have died without surgery – one of the balls was lodged in his stomach, preventing him from keeping food down.

“His story shows that innocent fun with a tennis ball can quickly become life-threatening, so it’s best to trade them out for safer, vet-approved toys specifically designed for dogs. If your dog loves to chew, there is also the risk that they could swallow chewed-up parts of the tennis ball, which can still cause the same issues with gut blockage as in Loki’s case.”

Following his surgery, Loki has gone on to make a full recovery.

Amy added: “Loki has got me through some pretty hard times. It started as just me and Loki, but now Daisy, my 3-year-old daughter, is his best friend. He means so much to both of us.

“I dread to think about what would have happened if we didn’t have PDSA to turn to – we would have been completely stuck.”

Total cost of Loki’s treatment: £1,020.70

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Through our 48 Pet Hospitals and Pet Care scheme, we save the lives of poorly pets who would otherwise be left untreated.

Every year, we helped over 388,000 pets. Without us, emergency cases like Loki's would be left untreated and many pets could lose their lives or be separated from families who love them.

We wouldn’t be here for dogs like Loki without your support. Please consider donating today.

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