A beloved family pet in Kolkata faced a life-threatening situation after a simple meal went horribly wrong. A 10-year-old female Pomeranian dog named Dodo choked on a fish bone that remained lodged in her throat for nearly a full day before veterinarians successfully removed it using a advanced, non-invasive procedure.
A Family's Panic and a Race to the Hospital
The incident occurred at the Dum Dum residence of Subhankar Chakraborty. He was feeding Dodo cooked Catla fish when the agile dog gulped down a section of the central bone. The bone became firmly stuck in her throat, causing immediate pain and making it difficult for her to eat or drink. "We waited for a day, hoping the bone would pass into her stomach," recounted Chakraborty. However, their hopes were dashed when the bone did not move, and Dodo's normally playful demeanor turned quiet and withdrawn.
The next day, the worried family rushed Dodo to the government veterinary hospital in Belgachhia. Chakraborty, who adopted Dodo when she was just 40 days old in 2015, emphasized their deep bond. "She is our family member. We were terrified seeing her struggle," he said.
Medical Challenge and a Surgical Solution
Doctors at the state-run hospital first conducted an X-ray to confirm the bone's location. Their initial attempt involved using a prong-line instrument to extract the bone without surgery. However, Dodo, distressed and in pain, could not keep her mouth open for the prolonged period required for the procedure.
Faced with this challenge, the vets recommended surgical removal. Given Dodo's age—placing her in the "senior citizen" bracket for a breed with a typical lifespan of 12 to 16 years—the team was concerned about the risks of general surgery, which includes complications from stitches. To ensure a safer outcome, they opted for a specialized, non-invasive technique called endoscopic foreign body removal.
The procedure was performed at a private facility in south Kolkata. A surgeon from the Animal Health Pathology Lab explained the process: "We applied gas to anesthetize the pet and then inserted a tube to locate and remove the bone. The entire operation was completed in about thirty minutes."
A Happy Ending and a Breed's Royal History
The surgery was a complete success. Dodo recovered well and has happily resumed eating fish, much to her family's relief. "Dodo is fine after the surgery," a grateful Chakraborty confirmed.
This scare highlights the vulnerabilities of older pets. The Pomeranian breed, a descendant of the German Spitz dating back to the 18th century, is known for its longevity, with some living up to 20 years. The breed even has a royal connection, as experts note that Queen Victoria herself was a proud owner of a small Pomeranian.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder to all pet parents to be extremely cautious with fish and poultry bones, especially when feeding senior dogs. The timely intervention and use of advanced veterinary medicine in Kolkata ensured a furry family member got a second chance at a healthy life.
