Discarded fishing hooks harm Pennington dog
The Boston Terrier had hooks in both back paws and one that went down his oesophagus.
Four-year-old Boston terrier, Reef, from Pennington is lucky to be alive after an unfortunate beach incident last Saturday afternoon.
Reef was with his owner Elmien le Roux and her other dog on one of their daily beach runs between Kelso and the Pennington Ski-boat Club.
“On our way back to the car, Reef ran out in front. We crossed the river, and when I looked back for him, I saw him lying on the beach unable to move,” said Le Roux.
She then realised he had a fishing hook in each of his back paws and another in his mouth, all connected with fishing line and a sinker.
He was rushed home and the lines cut loose before he was taken to Scottburgh Vet.
They were assisted promptly, despite it being after hours. After giving Reef anesthetic, the veterinary team tried to remove the hook in his mouth.
By this time, they could not get it out as it had already moved too far down his oesophagus. X-rays were done to confirm this and arrangements were made for the family to take Reef to the Westville Veterinary Hospital.
There, they managed to remove the hook using a scope, but it had already cut his oesophagus and gut.
“Reef is now home and on the road to recovery, however, he is not out of the woods yet. Infection can set in due to the dirty fish hook, so we are monitoring him closely and hoping for the best,” said Le Roux.
This incident has shown the family the danger on beaches when people do not clean up after themselves, and the affects it can have on not just domesticated animals, but wildlife and curious children too.
The family decided to share Reef’s story to remind beachgoers and fishermen to pick up and safely dispose of fishing hooks and lines.
Discarded tackle can cause severe injuries to those who come in contact with it, and the family hopes this story will help prevent another animal from going through the same ordeal.
A massive thanks has been extended to both veterinary teams for the professional and compassionate care they provided to Reef during this traumatic time.
Reef is quite a well-known canine in the area, especially in Scottburgh, and locals are eagerly awaiting to see him fully recovered and return to the beach once again.
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