Rock Bridge's March Pet Of The Month
Say Hello To Hank
Hank found his forever home in August 2023. At just one year old, he quickly won his mom’s heart with his playful and affectionate personality. Now, in his loving home, Hank thrives as the goofiest, cuddliest boy. His favorite things include food, being brushed, and, most of all, snuggling with his mom.
Recently, Hank was brought to us after experiencing vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Concerned for his well-being, his owners opted for bloodwork and radiographs to determine the cause of his persistent gastrointestinal distress. The radiographs revealed a foreign object lodged in Hank’s intestine, which was likely responsible for his symptoms. Due to its location, surgical removal was necessary—without intervention, intestinal blockages can quickly become
life-threatening.
Within a few hours, we prepared Hank for surgery and successfully removed the obstruction—a piece of rope that had become tangled in his intestines. Fortunately, the procedure went smoothly, and Hank was on the road to recovery. It’s not uncommon for pets to chew on toys or household items, sometimes ingesting dangerous materials. In Hank’s case, rope toys had been removed from his home months before due to his habit of tearing them apart and swallowing the pieces. How he managed to ingest this particular fragment remains unclear, but his experience serves as an important reminder to stay vigilant and closely supervise pets, especially during playtime. By staying proactive and aware, pet owners can help prevent similar emergencies and keep their furry companions safe and healthy.