A veterinary surgeon has issued an urgent warning to dog owners about the life-threatening dangers of feeding their furry friends one particular vegetable that can't be "digested".
Haven Veterinary Group in Hull were forced to perform emergency surgery on a cocker spaniel named Roman after he ate an entire corn on the cob last year.
Although corn is a tasty treat for our pets, which can be enjoyed in moderation, the core of the vegetable can be a dangerous hazard for dogs as it may get stuck in their throat or cause a blockage within their intestines.
This is exactly what happened to two-year-old Roman who wolfed down the vegetable whole before his distraught owners could stop him, which resulted in a life-saving operation at the clinic, reports the Mirror.
An X-ray showed the corn on the cob as a solid object which was stuck in Roman's stomach with medics performing surgery to remove it. Corn is not toxic to dogs but the hard core of the vegetable cannot be digested and could lead to internal blockages in the stomach which could be fatal.
Haven has since issued a stark warning to all owners to take extra care when dogs are around food, such as in the kitchen or at barbecue, and to ensure that pets don't consume any waste food that could have deadly consequences.
Jordan Sinclair, who was the vet that performed the life-saving op on two-year-old Roman issued some advice on what to feed your dog. The surgeon made a small incision in the dog's stomach to remove the cob and stitched Roman's wound back up.
The beloved pup thankfully made a fully recover and was sent home after being monitored in the practice.
Vet Jordan explained: "Corn on the cob can cause choking in dogs or it is highly likely to cause a blockage as it passes through the gastric tract if they do manage to swallow it. They will start being sick and if it gets lodged in the intestine it can cause parts of the gut to die off and affect the blood supply to those areas.
"There’s a risk the dog could become very ill or even die. Thankfully, Roman’s owners acted very quickly, which is really important and made it much more likely that he went on to make a full recovery.
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"I would urge dog owners to be extra careful with any food at home and when out walking. If you think they have swallowed something they shouldn’t, get them to the vet as soon as possible."
Experts at Animal Ark Veterinary Centre have also warned that corn can pose additional risks to dog's digestive systems if your pet does not chew it properly. Even if it just individual pieces of corn, your dog may struggle to digest it due to its hard kernels which can result in vomiting or diarrhoea.
So although your dog may enjoy the sweet taste of corn, it may be best to avoid giving them it altogether!
If you suspect your pet may have eaten corn on the cob, or any other dangerous food, you should contact your local veterinary practice immediately.
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