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The young beagle, called Teddy, was left dangerously ill after swallowing a rope toy which had then untangled and become lodged in his intestines.
He was taken to Linnaeus-owned Cromwell Vets, in Huntingdon, where he was treated by lead vets Charlie Varley and Katherine Baldwin.
After being stabilised for shock, Teddy underwent urgent surgery to remove the remnants of the toy, plus 30cm of his intestines.
Charlie said: “Teddy had begun vomiting and passing diarrhea. He had a very painful abdomen, had stopped eating and was very lethargic.
“Teddy was sent for diagnostic imaging which revealed the presence of an abdominal foreign body and we performed an exploratory laparotomy to remove it.
“The blockage was a length of purple string, probably part of a rope toy, which had been partly digested.
“Unfortunately, it had caused a large section of Teddy’s intestines to become inverted and necrotic (tissue had died) so we also had to remove approximately 30cm of intestine to save his gastrointestinal tract.
“A feeding tube was also placed to ensure nurses were able to provide him with nutrition directly into his stomach to aid his recovery.”
Teddy’s condition initially improved but he relapsed after a few days, so a further exploratory laparotomy was performed which revealed a serious complication.
Katherine explained: “This second surgery uncovered that Teddy’s gastrointestinal tract had been leaking and caused septic peritonitis, and it was really touch and go as to whether he was going to make it through.
“We moved fast to repair the leakage and an abdominal drain was placed to siphon fluid out and away from his abdominal cavity.
“Surgery went well but Teddy then needed almost two weeks of round the clock care from our inpatient nurses before he was finally allowed home.
“Teddy’s family was so happy to have him back at home where he belongs and so grateful for the care that he received and from our whole veterinary team including the night vets and nurses.
“He’s since had his stitches removed and had his post-operative check and he can now go on and resume a normal life with his grateful owners.”
Cromwell Vets has practices in Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots, Ramsey, Cambourne and Sawtry. For more information, visit www.cromwellvets.co.uk or search for them on social media.