Cockapoo Chomps Face Mask on Walk – Vet Finds Life-Threatening Metal Inside
Patch, a cheeky three-year-old cockapoo from Thrapston, Northamptonshire, needed urgent surgery after gobbling up a disposable face mask – without his owner even noticing. Sue Fox only became suspicious when Patch also swallowed a sock from the tumble dryer.
Vet Spots Deadly Metal Clip on X-Ray
Vets at Abington Park Vets quickly acted after spotting a metal nose clip from the mask on an X-ray, a piece that could have been fatal if it had moved into Patch’s intestines. Vet Riccardo Minnelli, who led the treatment, said:
“Initially we were just searching for the sock. But the X-ray revealed a piece of metal. That didn’t match a sock. Thankfully, it was still in the stomach, allowing us to remove it safely with an endoscope.”
Using a tiny camera, Riccardo pulled out both the mask and the sock, revealing the hidden danger.
Owner’s Warning: Bin Your Masks and Gloves!
Sue Fox admitted she hadn’t realised Patch had snatched the mask during their walk. She said:
“Patch has a habit of munching random things. When he didn’t bring up the sock, we knew something was seriously wrong and rushed him to the vet.”
Riccardo Minnelli warned the public:
“If the metal clasp had shifted and caused a blockage, it could have been life-threatening. If you suspect your pet has eaten a mask, get to the vet immediately.”
After two tense months of treatment and check-ups, Patch has finally recovered. Mrs Fox urged everyone to dispose of masks and gloves responsibly, calling careless littering “thoughtless and dangerous.”
