Seven-week-old Shar Pei puppy Obi is recovering well after a moment of puppy curiosity led to emergency treatment at Falmouth Vets for Pets, when a fishing hook became embedded inside his cheek.
The incident happened after a fishing rod was left unattended for all of one minute with a bright lure still attached. Obi, who was naturally curious about the shiny object, bit at the lure and was suddenly yelping in pain.
His owner, Lea Thomas, quickly spotted the lure protruding from Obi’s cheek. Crucially, she did not try to pull it out herself and instead took him straight to the team at Falmouth Vets for Pets for urgent help.
There Obi was placed under anaesthetic so the team could safely treat the injury. The hook was embedded on the inside of his cheek, meaning the team needed to make an incision on the outside of the cheek before cutting the hook and carefully removing it.
Dr Emma Campbell, Practice Owner and Veterinary Surgeon at Falmouth Vets for Pets, said: “Obi was very lucky that Lea acted so quickly and did exactly the right thing by not pulling at the hook. When something sharp is lodged in a pet’s mouth or cheek, trying to remove it at home can cause more damage, so veterinary care is really important.
“Our team worked carefully to make sure Obi was safe and comfortable throughout. Cases like this are also a timely reminder during the summer months to keep fishing rods, hooks, lines and lures well out of reach of pets. Though it was as soon as their backs were turned, bright tackle can be very tempting, especially for curious puppies, and they can be lured in before anyone has a chance to stop them.”
Lea Thomas said: “It was horrible hearing Obi yelp and seeing the lure hanging from his mouth, but the team were brilliant with him. I was so relieved to hear he was recovered so quickly and got lots of extra cuddles."
Being so young and away from his mum and siblings, Obi needed a little extra comfort after treatment, so he spent time napping and being cared for by the reception team.
Falmouth Vets for Pets is now encouraging pet owners and anglers to take a few simple precautions while the weather is still so nice by storing fishing equipment securely, clearing away tackle after trips and contacting a vet straight away if a pet gets caught by a hook or line.