Golden Retriever Undergoes Life-Saving Endoscopic Procedure in Kolkata After Swallowing Car Key
In a remarkable veterinary emergency case, a six-year-old golden retriever named Bruno received a new lease on life approximately 281 kilometers from his home in Jamshedpur. The beloved pet underwent an hour-long endoscopic procedure at a private veterinary facility in Kolkata on Friday evening, successfully avoiding what could have been a major surgical intervention.
Critical Situation Develops After Accidental Ingestion
Bruno, owned by oncologist Dr. Ashish Kumar and his wife, gynecologist Dr. Shalini Warman, accidentally swallowed a car key on the night of March 22. The concerned pet parents immediately sought veterinary assistance in Jamshedpur the following day, where an X-ray confirmed the presence of the key lodged firmly in Bruno's stomach.
"We were initially given medication to soften Bruno's stool in hopes the key would pass naturally," explained Dr. Warman. "When that approach failed, a follow-up X-ray on Thursday showed the key remained stubbornly in the same position. The veterinarians advised against taking any risks and recommended immediate transfer to Kolkata for specialized endoscopic intervention."
Long Journey for Specialized Care
Faced with their pet's deteriorating condition, the couple conducted online research and identified the Animal Health Pathology Lab in Kolkata as having the necessary facilities for the non-invasive procedure. Dr. Kumar embarked on a five-hour drive from their Sonari residence in Jamshedpur to reach the Kolkata clinic, demonstrating extraordinary dedication to his pet's wellbeing.
At the Kolkata facility, veterinary surgeons performed a delicate hour-long endoscopic procedure using specialized forceps to carefully extract the car key from Bruno's digestive system. The minimally invasive approach proved crucial in avoiding more traumatic surgical options.
Veterinary Expertise Prevents Major Surgery
The operating veterinary surgeon emphasized the complexity of the case, noting that "this was an extremely critical situation that typically would have necessitated a major surgical procedure like a gastrectomy." He explained that general surgery would have carried significantly higher risks, including postoperative pain and complications associated with abdominal operations.
"Since the patient had traveled specifically from another state for advanced endoscopic management, we made every possible effort to address the situation through this minimally invasive approach," the surgeon added, highlighting the clinic's commitment to preserving animal welfare through modern veterinary techniques.
Successful Recovery and Return Home
Following the successful procedure, Bruno showed immediate signs of recovery, allowing the relieved pet parents to drive back to Jamshedpur the same day. Dr. Kumar expressed both relief and newfound caution, stating, "It's an enormous relief that the key could be safely removed. We've learned we must be much more vigilant about keeping swallowable objects completely out of Bruno's reach."
The veterinarian confirmed that because the foreign object was extracted through endoscopic means rather than invasive surgery, Bruno should return to his normal routine and quality of life without significant complications. This case serves as an important reminder to pet owners about household safety and the availability of advanced veterinary care options even when specialized treatment requires travel to different cities.
