Midge became extremely unsettled and started vomiting on September 28. Veterinary staff later traced the two-year-old English Bull Terrier’s illness to a 6cm plastic toy squeaker blocking his intestines, beginning a prolonged course of surgery and wound care.
The Glasgow dog had torn open a play toy and gained access to the disc-shaped component inside. His owner took him to Glasgow University’s Small Animal Hospital, where staff discovered the intestinal blockage.
Midge underwent emergency surgery several days after his symptoms began. The 6cm plastic disc was found during the operation and removed, but his medical problems did not end there.
His owner said Midge lost 5kg and struggled to walk during the illness. On October 7, a lump approximately the size of a tennis ball appeared at the surgical site.
The lump was associated with an infection, and Midge needed another operation to remove the mass. Tissue around the affected area subsequently began to break down.
According to his owner, a hole that began around the size of a pin expanded to the size of a palm within one week. Midge was then attending Glasgow University’s Pet Practice twice a day so the wound could be examined and dressed.
Why suspected obstructions require prompt attention
A swallowed object can become lodged in a dog’s stomach or small intestine, stopping or restricting the normal movement of food and waste. Cornell University veterinary guidance identifies vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration and lethargy as common signs of a gastrointestinal obstruction.
Those signs can have other causes, so owners cannot determine from symptoms alone whether a dog has swallowed something. However, suspected foreign-body obstruction is an emergency, and prompt veterinary intervention is important because an obstruction can damage intestinal tissue and lead to serious complications.
Veterinarians may consider the dog’s history, symptoms and physical examination before using abdominal X-rays or ultrasound. Blood tests can help assess dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and possible infection.
Treatment depends on the object’s location, the dog’s condition and whether the material is moving through the digestive tract. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that some small, smooth objects may pass while a clinically stable dog is monitored, but foreign bodies causing an obstruction or failing to move may require endoscopic or surgical removal.
This decision belongs with a veterinarian. Continued vomiting, depression or lethargy can warrant immediate surgical intervention, according to Merck’s guidance.
Damaged toys can expose hidden parts
Midge reached the squeaker only after tearing open the surrounding toy. That detail offers a practical warning for owners whose dogs pull apart soft or noise-making toys.
Humane World for Animals recommends supervising play with squeaky toys because dogs may try to reach and ingest the noise-making component. It also advises discarding toys once they are torn or begin breaking into pieces.
Inspection matters even when a toy initially appears intact. Damage can expose internal pieces that were not previously accessible, and no toy can be assumed appropriate for every dog’s size, activity level or play habits.
Recovery after intestinal surgery also requires close observation. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons advises prompt reassessment if a dog develops lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, fever, abdominal swelling or drainage from an incision after gastrointestinal surgery.
Those complications are possible outcomes, not a prediction for every dog that undergoes foreign-body surgery. The details of Midge’s infection and wound problems reflect his individual course.
His owner urged other people to supervise dogs during play and obtain sufficient pet insurance. A GoFundMe was established to help with Midge’s continuing veterinary bill.
There were cautious signs of progress while treatment continued. “But now, I’m starting to see the old Midge, he’s definitely starting to perk up,” his owner said.
Midge had qualified for Crufts and was expected to compete the following March if his recovery permitted. At the time covered, however, he still required twice-daily wound care, leaving that appearance dependent on how well he recovered.
What would you do if your dog were in this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
By Sarah Mitchell — 8 years as a local-news reporter covering animal welfare, shelters, neighborhood disputes, and public-safety pet stories.
