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19th September 2016
07:59pm BST
“We don’t recommend bones as treats because unfortunately our vets and nurses regularly see dogs with digestive tract damage and blockages caused by splinters or larger pieces of bone being swallowed and becoming stuck.” “Surgery is usually needed to remove any blockage and in some cases, the damage is so serious that it can be fatal. Similarly, if they swallow a large piece of rawhide chew this can become stuck and cause serious problems".Anna Carey, whose dog Bertie had to be put down after suffering complications from eating a ham knuckle bone, spoke to the publication about the tragic situation. Anna and her partner James had given Bertie,a two-year-old miniature schnauzer, the ham bone as a treat at Christmas. Sadly, it became lodged in his stomach and despite an operation to recover fragments of the bone from his intestines and stomach, Bertie didn't make it. Anna spoke out about her heartbreak at losing Bertie to warn others of the dangers involved in giving dogs bones:
“I don’t think people are aware of the dangers involved in giving your dog a bone – particularly cured or cooked ones – and we are fully supportive of the PDSA advice. "Everyone says: ‘Give a dog a bone’ little realising what it tragic outcome can be for some dogs. If the PDSA advice stops people from giving their dogs bones it will save the lives of many animals.”
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