Winchester vet warns of the dangers of giving bones to dogs

A woman living near Winchester had to rush her Labrador to the vet after giving her an air-dried lamb bone which caused a horrific accident.

Summer was brought to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester when her owner Victoria Dodson noticed that her tongue had swollen and was covered in blood.

Victoria had given Summer the bone as a birthday treat, but less than 24 hours later she needed urgent care to try and save her tongue.

Vets at Anderson Moores discovered a tourniquet had been made around Summer’s tongue by a string from the bone, cutting off its blood circulation.

Vets attempted to repair the blood flow but were ultimately forced to amputate her tongue.

Summer had to have surgery after chomping on a bone (Image: Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists)

Hilario Gonzalez Montano, the surgical vet who operated on Summer, said: "We used leeches, which keep blood flowing in the damaged area, but after a few days it became clear the tongue would need to be removed."

Owner Victoria has said that she has had to adapt to Summer’s new lifestyle after having 60% of her tongue removed.

She said: “Summer does have to eat and drink differently and now throws food back into her mouth, so we give her a mix of biscuits and wet food to make it easier to eat. We also wipe her mouth and front legs as she can’t lick herself clean anymore.

“During hot weather we have been extra cautious, as she is more prone to heat stroke as she can’t pant.

“If you looked at her you wouldn’t know she only had 40 per cent of her tongue left. She is cheerful within herself and is able to lead a full life. Anderson Moores have been so thorough with her care and checking up on her.”

Hilario said: "There are lots of injuries which can be caused by bones, although this is definitely one of the more unusual, but we recommend not to give them to your dog just in case.”