Dogs periodically enter things they are not expected to. No matter how hard we attempt, it appears as though they discover a method to trigger simply enough difficulty to keep us on our toes.
Marie Fournier discovered back in January when she discovered that her Fitbit was tracking workouts after she apparently lost it.
After discovering her dogs were acting odd, she put it to the test while likewise calling her regional veterinarian in Caseville. After taking both Harley and Hailee, her 2 golden retrievers, on different journeys she discovered that her dog Harley had actually swallowed the gadget as it was tracking the area.
Dr. Renee Schmid, a supervisor of veterinary medication and expert service at the Pet Poison Helpline, weighed in on the circumstance, as animals swallowing foreign things can be hazardous for them.
“At that point, we took a look at the makeup of those Fitbits and our primary issue was the battery,” said Schmid. “When we spoke about the family pet owner that the battery was the issue, if that battery was exposed in the stomach then it would be a greater issue.”
When animals do swallow foreign things, it is very important to call your veterinarian as quickly as possible. Depending on the item in concern, it may require more severe action like in Harley’s case, having actually swallowed a gadget which contained a battery. Schmid explained that the issue of a battery being swallowed is exposing the chemicals inside, which would trigger burns or ulcers to the dog’s mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
The suggestion was to then take Harley to the veterinarian to get an X-ray.
Thankfully for Fournier, Harley had actually swallowed the gadget whole with the band that was around it. Schmid thinks that this might have assisted Harley’s circumstance, as the elastic band around the gadget safeguarded the lithium battery from direct exposure to the within her stomach. What is more, the band likewise kept the gadget from moving past the stomach and into the intestinal tract, which would have triggered more concerns if obstructed.
The X-rays likewise revealed that there was another foreign item that Harley had actually swallowed. This extra item ended up being a rock the size of a plum.
The rock and the Fitbit were gotten rid of by means of surgical treatment. Schmid said that depending upon an item’s size, homes, and area, there are cases where they will move through the body naturally after a day or can be gotten rid of by carrying out an endoscopy or by causing throwing up.
“It’s in fact lucky that Harley consumed the Fitbit,” said Fournier. “If she had not, we wouldn’t have actually understood about the rock, and it may have triggered even more damage or death. Even after they eliminated the Fitbit from her stomach, it is still working. I just recently acquired a brand-new band, and the Fitbit itself continues to track. I’m keeping it out of reach now.”
Harley is doing simply great now and has actually not swallowed anymore Fitbits. Fournier still utilizes the Fitbit that her dog consumed.
If you think that your family pet has actually consumed something like a battery or anything that can be damaging to them, Schmid advises that you call your regional veterinary workplace and the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
