Wilma

One-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Wilma, needed urgent treatment at PDSA after getting hold of an inhaler.

It was an ordinary evening in January for Wilma and her owner Sarah (53) in Derby. The Collinson household was peaceful, until Wilma accidentally got hold of a human salbutamol inhaler and chewed a hole in it.

Wilma’s owner, Sarah, said: “I saw Wilma pick up the inhaler and immediately went to take it from her. But then, the inhaler exploded and I panicked. I thought she might be okay, but within 30 minutes, she started vomiting and became extremely restless. She was whining, drinking a lot and didn’t seem her usual happy self.

“I was very upset, panicky and didn’t know what to do next.”

Her behaviour was extremely unusual, so Sarah contacted the team at Derby PDSA Pet Hospital, and they asked her to bring Wilma in for an emergency appointment immediately.

Derby Pet Hospital Vet team leader, Chris Furness, said: “When we examined Wilma, we found that she had a fast heart rate. We knew that the concentrated form of salbutamol found in inhalers can lead to serious symptoms if swallowed, such as wobbliness, weakness, tremors, and a fast heart and breathing rate.

“She was admitted straight away for intravenous fluid therapy to keep her hydrated, close monitoring for any tremors or weakness that might develop, alongside medications and a blood test. The medications we gave her helped to slow down her fast heart rate and bind up the toxins from the inhaler. As Wilma had already vomited twice before coming to us, thankfully, we didn’t have to induce vomiting as per the standard protocol.

“While salbutamol inhalers can sometimes be used as a treatment in dogs, they are dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Thankfully, most dogs that chew on salbutamol inhalers recover with treatment within 24 hours. We recommend that all medications are hidden and out of reach of prying paws.”

Sarah added: “Both me and my sister were really concerned when Wilma had to stay overnight. I live alone and share a special bond with Wilma.”

By the early morning, Wilma was looking a lot better – she was bright, hydrated and eating. However, she still had a fast heart rate – so treatment was continued.

The vets at Derby Pet Hospital continued to look after Wilma and, thankfully, she showed further improvement later that day.

Vet team leader, Chris Furness, added: “We were pleased to see Wilma’s heart rate coming back down to normal by the afternoon. Her appetite had returned, and she was eating everything we offered her, so she was able to go home.”

Since being treated at Derby Pet Hospital and returning home, Wilma is back to being her normal mischievous self. But Sarah is now making sure that curious Wilma won’t find anything dangerous again.

Sarah has deep connection with Wilma and is an avid animal lover. Speaking on her bond with Wilma, Sarah said: “Wilma is a very happy dog who is full of energy. She’s so loyal and loveable – she loves to be by my side. We love to go on long walks together.”

This was Sarah’s first time using PDSA and she found the team and support that she got throughout Wilma’s hospital stay “exemplary.” She added:

“I dread to think what would have happened if PDSA didn’t exist as I would have struggled to afford the full cost of Wilma’s treatment. Me and Wilma have a special bond, so I was devastated when she became unwell. I’m happy to have her back home and healthy.”

Total cost of treatment: £219.54

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Through our 49 Pet Hospitals and Pet Care scheme, we save the lives of poorly pets who would otherwise be left untreated.

Every year, we helped over 430,000 pets. Without us, emergency cases like Wilma'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 Wilma without your support. Please consider donating today.

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