Dog"s tongue amputated after freak accident at home
- Summer, an eight-year-old Labrador, was given an air-dried lamb bone as a birthday treat.
- After chewing the bone, she developed a swollen tongue and bleeding, leading to an emergency visit to the vet.
- Vets amputated 60 percent of her tongue, and owners are now advised against giving bones to dogs due to potential injuries.
An eight-year-old Labrador named Summer suffered a severe injury after chewing on an air-dried lamb bone, which her owner, Victoria Dodson, had given her as a birthday treat. Within 24 hours, Victoria noticed blood dripping from Summer's mouth and her tongue was swollen. Rushed to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester, vets discovered that string from the bone had created a tourniquet around her tongue, cutting off blood circulation. Despite attempts to save it using leeches to improve blood flow, the decision was made to amputate 60 percent of her tongue. Following the surgery, Victoria had to adapt Summer's eating and drinking habits, providing a mix of biscuits and wet food to facilitate her new way of eating. Summer can no longer lick herself clean, so Victoria also wipes her mouth and legs regularly. Additionally, they have to be cautious during hot weather, as Summer is now more susceptible to heat stroke due to her inability to pant effectively. Despite these challenges, Summer has adjusted well to her new lifestyle and is described as cheerful and able to lead a full life. Victoria noted that even though Summer has only 40 percent of her tongue left, she appears healthy and happy. The veterinary team emphasized the potential dangers of giving bones to pets, highlighting that injuries like Summer's, while unusual, can occur and recommending against bone treats for dogs. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for pet owners regarding the risks associated with certain dog treats, particularly bones, and underscores the importance of monitoring pets closely during feeding times.