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A puppy managed to swallow a 20-centimeter (8-inch) knife, creating one of the weirdest X-rays her vets have ever seen. With a stroke of luck and some amazing veterinary work, she managed to survive the ordeal and is now fit again.
Macie, a 12-week-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was rushed to the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals' (PDSA's) emergency out-of-hours vet service in Glasgow after the owner noticed she was choking late one evening.
“Macie was making a squeaking sound – I thought she’d swallowed part of a toy,” owner Irene Paisley said in a statement. “Then she was sick, but there was no sign of a toy and she started choking.”
Vets examined the puppy and quickly carried out X-rays, discovering a much more disturbing situation than they had previously imagined. It showed the dog had swallowed a huge kitchen knife, handle-first with blade poking upwards in her esophagus (gullet).
“I’ve never seen an X-ray like Macie’s,” said PDSA Vet Emily Ronald. ”She was extremely lucky to survive. Her saving grace was that she swallowed the handle-end first – the blade-end would undoubtedly have pierced her organs, likely causing fatal injuries.”
She immediately underwent emergency surgery, where a team of vets performed the precise procedure needed to remove the blade. Fortunately for Macie and the family who own the dog, the operation was a complete success. The puppy was transferred to a nearby PDSA Pet Hospital to recover.
“The morning after surgery, she was bouncing all over the place as if nothing had happened," Vet Ronald added. "Macie has been back for frequent check-ups over the past two weeks and we’re pleased she’s recovering and healing well."
“Although she’s only young, Macie is already a big part of the family," the puppy's family said. "She brings us so much joy and happiness, and means the world to the children. Without PDSA, she wouldn’t have received her life-saving treatment and wouldn’t be here today.”
Check out the incredible X-ray images of Macie below.
X-rays showing the blade within Macie's body. PDSA
Another angle showing the blade within Macie's body. PDSA
