X-ray shows pup's lack of bounce

Tracy Cruickshank with Koda, the powerball, and the intestinal X-ray revealing the source of his troubles. Pictures: Wales News Service

A puppy's owner could not understand why her pet became ill, until an X-ray revealed a toy bouncy ball.

But collie cross Koda is on the rebound after an operation to remove the rubber toy from his intestines.

He swallowed it at Tracy Cruickshank's Swansea home, and began vomiting and not drinking or eating properly.

"He was feeling rather sorry for himself but now it's as if nothing happened," she said. "He is bouncing his way around the house."

She said: "Koda has always been a very active and playful pup so when he became ill all of a sudden I was extremely worried.

Look around your home and garden and always make sure that anything potentially unsafe is well out of reach Simon Tollett, vet

"We thought it was just an upset tummy because he had been vomiting for several days and had not been eating or drinking very well."

A vet carried out an X-ray on the 11-month-old pup's stomach and spotted the strange round shadow.

The resulting operation saw vet Simon Tollet pull out an inch-diameter pink powerball.

Mrs Cruickshank said she now kept more of an eye on what Koda was getting up to.

"We're so pleased to have him back home, especially the children," she said.

"They've really missed having their playmate, but now there are no power balls in sight."

Mr Tollet, from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) PetAid hospital in Swansea, said it was important for pet owners to identify and eliminate any potential dangers.

"Look around your home and garden and always make sure that anything potentially unsafe is well out of reach," he said.

"Keep an eye on pets when they are playing with toys and balls, and I would advise pet owners to avoid any small objects in favour of larger, safer toys that cannot be swallowed."