Vets remove nicotine cartridge from dog’s stomach.
Pet owners are being urged to stay vigilant for e-cigarettes after a dog had to undergo major surgery to remove a nicotine-filled vape pod from its stomach.
It is thought that 13-year-old Dolly swallowed the vape cartridge whilst out on a walk, but it was not until a few days later that her owner noticed that she wasn’t quite feeling herself.
The Bichon Frise underwent a full inspection at Pennard Vets in Kent, and it soon became clear that something was lodged in her stomach. Veterinary surgeon Dr Sarla Balse organised X-rays, revealing a foreign object, and promptly booked her in for a gastronomy.
Dr Balse, explained: “Clearly operating on an elderly dog has its risks, but it was the only option available to us. Dolly was placed on an intravenous drip, given a general anaesthetic and prepared for surgery. I made an incision into her abdomen, and then an incision into her stomach to remove the object. Afterwards she was given antibiotics and pain relief and was monitored in our Sevenoaks hospital.
“When we realised the object was a vape pod, the whole operating team were shocked. Although there have been reports of pets ingesting vapes and related products, this was the first one we have seen at Pennard Vets and the reality is that it could have been inside her for a couple of weeks.”
Thankfully the operation was a success and Dolly is said to be back to her bouncy and bubbly self.
Dolly’s owner Beverley, who owns another Bichon Frise called Koslie, said: “Dolly is a beautiful dog who is always full of energy and loves being fussed and groomed, so when she suddenly became clingy and whiny, we knew something wasn’t right.
“Pet owners and vapers really need to be aware how attractive nicotine pods can be to dogs. We’re a lot more cautious when walking with both Dolly and Koslie after this and it’s vitally important that pet owners stay vigilant where vapes and e-cigarettes are concerned.”
Dr Balse adds: “With their keen noses, it’s no surprise that pets, wildlife and especially dogs can be interested in vaping products which often have sweet and food related scents added to them. If the nicotine and liquid inside the pod had leaked, or if the pod had become lodged in another part of Dolly’s body, it could have killed her.”
Image (C) Pennard Vets.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
