Warning as vets forced to amputate dog’s tongue in horrific freak accident

Veterinarians are sounding the alarm about the risks of giving bones to pets after a harrowing incident involving a Labrador Retriever. Eight-year-old Summer’s owner, Victoria Dodson, had purchased an air-dried lamb bone from a pet store as a birthday treat, but within 24 hours, Summer was rushed to a specialist vet for emergency care.

Victoria had discovered blood dripping from Summer’s mouth and her tongue severely swollen. The veterinary team at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester found that a piece of string from the bone had become entangled around Summer’s tongue, cutting off blood circulation.

In a desperate bid to save Summer’s tongue, the vets applied leeches to the affected area to improve blood flow, but ultimately, they were forced to amputate it. Victoria, who resides between Winchester and Andover, Hampshire, recounted the events: “We gave Summer a lamb bone which I had bought from a pet store as it was her birthday.

“She went off to chew it for most of the afternoon. It was the first time I had ever given her a bone and kept an eye on her while she was eating it. During the evening, she started sounding as though she was going to be sick.

“The following morning, we came down to her tongue swollen and protruding, with blood dripping from her mouth.”

Following the ordeal, Victoria has had to make adjustments to Summer’s lifestyle, but fortunately, the dog has made a full recovery and is back to her old self.

Victoria explained: “Summer does have to eat and drink differently and now throws food back into her mouth, so we give her a mix of biscuits and wet food to make it easier to eat.

“We also wipe her mouth and front legs as she can’t lick herself clean anymore. During hot weather we have been extra cautious, as she is more prone to heat stroke as she can’t pant.

“If you looked at her you wouldn’t know she only had 40 per cent of her tongue left. She is cheerful within herself and is able to lead a full life.”

Hilario Gonzalez Montano, surgical resident at Linnaeus-owned Anderson Moores who treated Summer, said: “We used leeches, which keep blood flowing in the damaged area, but after a few days it became clear the tongue would need to be removed.

“We had to remove about 60 per cent of her tongue but now Summer is back fighting fit and feeling better after her freak accident. There are lots of injuries which can be caused by bones, although this is definitely one of the more unusual, but we recommend not to give them to your dog just in case.”