Spaniel escapes death after foot-long stick is found in lung

Billy the spaniel had been playing in some water when his owner noticed something was not right.

The much-loved family dog began to cough, drool and bring up blood.

He was rushed to The Grove Veterinary Group's Dereham branch where - after an examination - he was moved to their animal hospital in Fakenham for a CT scan.

Later that morning, the scan revealed a long, thin object wedged down Billy's left lower lung lobe.

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The camera found the object stuck down Billy's throat (Image: CVS Vets)

The team of four vet surgeons and nurses then began the intricate operation of delicately removing the then-unknown object without further damaging the pooch's lungs.

The veterinary team performed an endoscopy, and the camera discovered the mysterious object was in fact a stick.

The surgeon in charge of the procedure, Andy Banerjee, said: “The initial assessment of Billy’s CT images was very alarming.

"A highly co-ordinated effort between four veterinary colleagues was required to safely remove the stick, without causing Billy any further injuries.

"Thankfully our repeat assessment showed no other injuries to his lung tissue or airways."

The veterinary team from Grove Veterinary Group (Image: CVS Vets) The 12.5ins twig (Image: CVS Vets) READ MORE: 7 dogs looking for a new home in Norfolk this week

Using a combination of grasping forceps, the team were able to slowly pull the stick - which measured 12.5ins (more than 31cms) in length - out of his throat.

After the operation, Billy was kept under close supervision. 

He returned home the following day and in just two weeks, he was back on his paws and enjoying his walks again.

Mr Banerjee added: "It was remarkable to see so little damage by such a large object. We are all so pleased to see that Billy has made such a swift and full recovery.”