A dog which couldn’t resist eating golf balls is back on course after vets in Fife retrieved 10 from its stomach during emergency surgery.
The owners of Poppy, a seven-and-a-half year old Labrador, thought their beloved pet was feeling a little below par when they took her for a check-up at the local vet practice.
A routine x-ray revealed the golf balls had become embedded a fair way down the dog’s digestive system and surgeons swung into action, rushing Poppy into theatre to carry out a two-hour lifesaving operation.
“It’s highly unusual to find that amount of items eaten by a dog, Poppy is extremely lucky to be alive,” explained June Bulgowan, head nurse at Wilson & Partners Veterinary Surgeons in Cupar.
“At first it just seemed Poppy was a little under the weather, having vomited, but once we had a feel of the dog it was clear something was wrong.
“The x-ray revealed a lot of items in the dog’s stomach but even then it wasn’t exactly clear as to what the items were or how many were inside the dog.
“It wasn’t until we actually opened up the dog that the full extent of what we were dealing with came to light.”
Veterinary surgeon Ashleigh Rae carried out the procedure which left colleagues opened mouthed as golf ball after golf ball was removed.
“We couldn’t believe it, the balls just kept on coming,” said June.
“It’s not unusual for dogs to eat items and I’ve had dogs before that have eaten two, or even three gold balls, but this is quite extraordinary. I’ve not seen anything like this before.
“Peach stones, socks, pants and rocks are the most common items dogs eat, and during the summer months as barbecues become more popular we see a lot of dogs who have problems having eaten corn on the cobs.”
Poppy spent two days recovering before being returned to its owner, who did not want to be identified but was relieved to have her beloved pet back.
The owner added walks will now be taken a ‘fairway’ away from any golf courses in the knowledge of Poppy’s unorthodox love of golf balls.
