Dog escapes death after swallowing fishhook

By Adam Dutton

A woman’s dog almost died after swallowing a large fishhook discarded at a popular beauty spot.

Cocker spaniel Lady wolfed down the hook and line while on a walk at Fairburn Ings, near Castleford, West Yorks., with owner Laura Hinchcliffe.

An X-ray taken by Laura’s vet later revealed the 10p-sized hook lodged just centimeters from Lady’s heart.

This could have proved fatal if it had pierced the three-year-old pooch’s esophagus.

Laura, 37, of Castleford, said: “We were nearing the end of Lady’s walk when she picked up something which I thought was a biscuit.

“I then realized she had a clear piece of fishing line down her throat, and I had no idea if there was a hook at the end of it.

“X-rays showed there was indeed a hook, and it was wedged close to her heart.”

Castleford Vets4Pets referred Lady to Linnaeus-owned Paragon Veterinary Referrals in Wakefield, West Yorks., for emergency surgery.

Vet Sophie Aspinall carried out an endoscopy to retrieve the hook, with Lady well enough to come home the following day.

She said: “X-rays showed a fishhook in the esophagus, so the best course of action was to carry out an endoscopy to remove it.

“This is a delicate procedure and could have been very challenging if the hook had torn the esophagus, but luckily this didn’t happen.

“We managed to remove the hook with no complications and we’re delighted that Lady made a full recovery and is back enjoying her walks again.”

Laura is now urging people not to drop litter to prevent similar incidents.

She added: “If you go fishing, please pick up your litter.

“Lady and I were at a wildlife reserve where there’s horse riders, bird watchers, dog walkers and fishermen.

“We should all be considerate of the other activities taking place and be mindful of each other.”