A seven-week-old Shar Pei puppy is said to be recovering well after a fishing hook became accidentally embedded inside his cheek.
Vets said the incident happened in Cornwall after a fishing rod was left unattended momentarily with a bright lure still attached.
Obi, who was curious about the object, bit the lure and was left yelping in pain. His owner Lea Thomas saw his cheek, did not try to remove the hook herself and took him straight to Falmouth Vets for Pets for help, they added.
Obi was then placed under anaesthetic so the team could safely treat the injury while he was “safe and comfortable”. Vets said it was an example of why fishing tackle should “well out of reach of pets”.
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As the hook was embedded on the inside of his cheek, the team needed to make an incision on the outside before cutting the hook and carefully removing it.
Practice owner and surgeon Dr Emma Campbell 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. 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.”
Owner 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 mother and siblings as he was kept at the surgery for observation, the vets said Obi needed a little extra comfort after treatment, so he spent time napping and being cared for by the reception team.
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Fishing Hook Removed from Shar Pei Puppy’s Cheek