Poisoned puppy’s heart-stopping drama

Olli the Dog
Puppy Olli recovering at home with only a bandaged leg to show for his brush with death

A poisoned puppy’s brush with death has prompted a Bracknell vet to issue a warning to pet owners about keeping human medicines away from animals.

Olli, an inquisitive eight-month-old Cocker Spaniel, became seriously ill after accidentally swallowing some of his owner’s heart tablets.

He was rushed to Moor Cottage Veterinary Hospital, in London Road, Binfield, where vets and nurses administered emergency treatment to counter the dangerous effects of the pills.

Fortunately, the lovable family pet has made a full recovery, however, Moor Cottage vet Inga Froling said it was touch and go at one stage.

Inga said: “When Olli arrived, his heart rate was worryingly low and we were faced with a really serious situation.

“Thankfully, his quick-thinking owners had brought the packaging of the tablets with them, so we immediately knew the type, strength and amount of medication he had taken.

“We were able to contact the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, which collects and collates details of animal which have been poisoned and gives excellent guidance for treatment in individual cases.

“This was good news for Olli, and for us, as we were quickly able to work out that the dose he had swallowed put him in real danger.

“We started treatment immediately. First, Olli had an injection to make him vomit, which helped to remove the drug from his stomach.

Olli the Dog
Cocker Spaniel pup Olli who’s full of fun again after his brush with death

“He was then given charcoal liquid to bind any remaining medication left in his intestines and prevent him from absorbing it.

“Then it was a case of closely monitoring his heart rate and blood pressure with staff on standby to give further emergency treatment if needed.

“Happily, Olli was able to go home later that day and has now made a complete recovery but there is still a huge lesson for all pet owners in this case.

“Firstly, and most importantly, protect your animals by keeping all human tablets, pills, medications well out of the reach of your pets.

“Secondly, if you find your pet has swallowed something they shouldn’t, then take all the relevant packaging with you to the vets to help them identify exactly what has been taken and how much.”

For more information on Moor Cottage Veterinary Hospital, which has served the Bracknell community for more than 50 years, visit www.mcvh.co.uk.