According to a news release from MSPCA-Angell, the animal non-profit recently rescued a dog in Massachusetts who had swallowed a wooden skewer. Bob, a 9-month-old Pit Bull Terrier, arrived at the clinic last month after his owner surrendered him to Boston Animal Control. Although the owner stated that the dog “had some kind of protrusion on his flank,” the staff “couldn’t find anything” at first.
X-ray showed wooden skewer in dog’s stomach
According to Mike Keiley, Director of Adoption Centers and Programs at MSPCA-Angell, officials discovered Bob was in agony a few weeks after he arrived at the shelter. The center’s radiology team then performed an X-ray and found a wooden skewer in the pup’s stomach.
“It seems that Bob ate the skewer and it pierced his stomach—something that is usually immediately clear and requires urgent care,” Keiley said.
Continuing, he added, “But there are rare instances like this one where something small and sharp pierces the stomach wall, but the stomach wall then heals on its own, making the problem much harder to detect.”
The Pit Bull Terrier puppy successfully underwent surgery on Dec. 1. Now, he is in need of a new home. Potential pet parents can submit an adoption application online or visit the Boston Adoption Center during open-house hours. Interested adopters are welcomed Tuesday through Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m.
Keiley described Bob as “a sweet pup” who’s “been through a lot” lately. “We know he’ll be a wonderful pet for the right adopters, and we’re hoping he can find them as soon as possible.”
MSPCA-Angell’s mission
Founded in 1868 by George T. Angell, MSPCA-Angell is a non-profit organization committed to improving the welfare of animals. Since its inception, the non-profit has “worked to relieve suffering, prevent cruelty, and develop a just and compassionate society.”
The group offers a number of services, including animal adoption and protection, law enforcement, veterinary care, and more. It also provides “emergency assistance and strategic planning help” for animal welfare groups across the United States and around the world.
