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Alison Benney was out walking her twelve-year-old Golden Retriever Harvey at Goodrington, near Paignton, on Sunday, February 28, when the traumatic incident happened.
Luckily, expert vets at Linnaeus-owned Cave Veterinary Specialists, in West Buckland, Somerset, managed to extract the hook from Harvey’s oesophagus without needing to operate.
Harvey’s problem was combated by Nele Van den Steen, clinical director at Cave, who said: “When Harvey arrived, we were told that he’d swallowed a baited fish hook earlier that day and it was stuck in his throat.
“Radiographs confirmed the hook was lodged in his oesophagus but we hoped that using an endoscope, a thin tube equipped with a camera, light and including a channel to allow access for miniature tools, would help us remove it without the need for surgery.
“It actually proved more difficult that we thought but ultimately we were successful and managed to free the hook and remove it.
“Harvey was kept in overnight for observation but allowed home the next and has now made a full recovery.”
Alison said: “I’m very angry about the whole thing. It was a very upsetting experience for me and especially for Harvey.
“Anglers should realise just how dangerous fish hooks and fishing line can be and make sure they dispose of them properly.
“Nele at Cave was very professional and caring. She was very clear in explaining the procedure and very optimistic that it would work which was very reassuring.
“Harvey’s back to normal already so I’m very grateful to Cave for all their help and care.”
Cave Veterinary Specialists offer comprehensive, specialist-led services in anaesthesia, cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, orthopaedic surgery, pain management and rehabilitation and soft tissue surgery.
For more information on Cave Veterinary Specialists, visit https://cave-vet-specialists.co.uk or search for Cave Veterinary Specialists on social media.