A nine-year-old French Bulldog named TJ survived after swallowing an entire rubber duck, which became lodged in his oesophagus and required emergency surgery. The incident came to light when owners Libby and Joe Burgwin took TJ to Severn Edge vets in Telford, Shropshire, after he was sick multiple times and struggled to breathe.
X-ray reveals the cause
Initially, the couple suspected dental issues, but an early vet visit showed no problems. When TJ began vomiting in the mornings, they returned to the vets after he vomited multiple times in one evening. The vets diagnosed aspiration pneumonia, which can be common in French Bulldogs due to their short noses, and recommended an X-ray and ultrasound.
Within five minutes of arriving home, the vets called to say they had found something. The head vet said: "We've done one X-ray, we don't need to do anymore, have you lost any rubber ducks? They said this was the weirdest thing they'd ever seen a dog swallow."
Duck had shrunk and turned black
The 6cm (2.3ins) rubber duck, which TJ had played with since being a puppy, was removed during surgery. It had shrunk to 3cm and lost its yellow coating, turning black. The procedure cost £3,500, but the couple were fully insured.
Libby, 28, a chief operating officer for a financial technology firm, said: "We have no idea how he swallowed it or how he got it down, how we didn't notice it because he must have been in some pain. They said it was almost lucky it was so big because it couldn't move to his stomach." She added: "It's crazier that it didn't make him sicker, he was eating every day and going for walks, but there weren't any signs."
Recovery and advice
After the surgery, TJ was back to his "normal self" within five days. The couple have removed all rubber ducks from the house, though Libby said: "Maybe I'll treat him to a big one one day. Me and Joe have kept one each as a memory of the event."
Hannah Plant, head veterinary surgeon at Severn Edge Veterinary Group, said: "Curious dogs, particularly younger dogs and breeds that enjoy chewing, can sometimes ingest items that can become lodged in the stomach or intestines and cause serious health complications. This case had a positive outcome thanks to the prompt action from the owners and rapid diagnosis by our veterinary team. We're delighted the dog recovered well." She advised pet owners to seek veterinary attention if they suspect their pet has swallowed something it shouldn't, as early intervention can make a significant difference.
