Vet ordered a scan after pet dog threw up four golf balls — only to discover something far worse hiding inside his stomach

One may wonder if the poor dog had been fed properly or simply had an unusual appetite.

PUBLISHED 4 HOURS AGO

(L) Golf balls spilling out of basket, (R) Two experienced veterinarians examining an x ray image. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Klaus Vedfelt, (R) ArtistGNDphotography)

A dog owner found himself in a complicated situation when his pet dog fell sick and coughed up four golf balls in his backyard. Neil Taylor would take his pet, Alfie, a then 10-year-old giant Schnauzer, on regular walks at a nearby golf course. Walking amidst the greenery felt like bliss until he realized what his dog had been up to. Concerned about his health, the pet owner dragged his dog to the vet and discovered a life-threatening situation.

A dog out on a walk on a grass field (Representative Cover Image: Pexels | Александр Лич) — A dog out on a walk on a grass field. (Representative Cover Image: Pexels | Александр Лич)

The then 50-year-old man from Newcastle, UK, would enjoy his walks with Alfie at the golf course. However, the dog’s antics had somehow escaped his notice. One evening, he came back home to find his beloved dog lying unconscious. “When I came home, he was passed out in the back garden, and he only came too, when I carried him into the house,” Taylor told the Daily Mail. Soon after, he vomited four golf balls, and the owner rushed him to the veterinary clinic. There, an X-ray revealed that 15 golf balls were stuck inside his stomach, prompting an emergency surgery. Taylor realized that Alfie had been quietly gobbling up stray golf balls during their walks.

Golf Balls on Grass. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Kindel Media)

However, that was barely all. Soon, the vets discovered something more unsettling. During the operation, the vets found six more golf balls, a pair of rubber gloves, a ball of string, and wood chips inside the dog’s stomach. The total tally of golf balls was 26 by now. One may wonder if the poor dog had been fed properly or simply had an unusual appetite. Fortunately, the vets gave Taylor a green signal, and Alfie was ready to go home within two days after the surgery. “I only have one dog, and he's like my son. It was a huge relief when we were given the all clear by the vets,” he said.

People taking care of a rescued dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Phooey)

Alfie’s stunt left a hole in the owner’s pocket as the vet bills peaked at $3,343 (£2,500). Although he hoped to get an insurance claim, the policy would likely not cover an emergency like this. The dog owner, who works as a mechanical supervisor, is content that his dog is recovering well and acting his normal and playful self again. “The vet bills are about £2,500, which we may now have to pay, but I'm not too bothered. If it means I get to keep my dog, then I'm still a happy man,” Taylor shared.

Surgeon focused on patient during surgery. (Representative Image Source: Unsplash| Photo by Jafar Ahmed) — Vet focused on a dog during surgery. (Representative Image Source: Unsplash | Photo by Jafar Ahmed)

According to Pet MD, the condition where a dog consistently eats objects that are not food items is called pica. The items may include metal, plastic, cloth, rocks, paper, dirt, and feces, among others. It is a psychological, obsessive-compulsive habit that may occur as a result of a medical condition or poor nutrition. It is important to highlight the dangerous risks the condition comes with, as ingesting non-food items can cause toxicity, choking, upset stomach, or gastrointestinal blockage, further threatening the pet’s well-being. Boredom, depression, anxiety, and extreme hunger are some of the other possible causes.