We feared Toby had a brain tumour but he just had the needle
YORKSHIRE TERRIER IS SEW LUCKY
A DOG feared to have a brain tumour has made a full recovery – after it turned out he had a needle lodged in his neck. Yorkshire terrier Toby’s owners took him to the vet after noticing that he was suffering from neck pain, struggling to walk and showing signs of seizures. The vet in Nairn suspected that the 13-year-old dog might have a tumour and took X-rays of his head. However, they revealed that Toby had a 7cm metal sewing needle with thread attached lodged in his neck, BY LUCINDA CAMERON piercing his spinal cord and dangerously close to his brain.
The pet was referred to the specialist surgical clinic at the University of Edinburgh’s Hospital for Small Animals at the Royal (Dick) School for Veterinary Studies.
Vets there used specialist X-ray equipment to view the needle in real time, allowing surgeons to carefully remove it without the need for an invasive operation.
Toby has recovered well since the needle was removed in August 2018 and is now back walking and running normally. Owner Alexander Jamieson said: “We feel that without the help of the experts in Edinburgh, Toby would not be here today.
“The care and attention he got was out of this world and we are delighted to see him back to his old self.”
It is not known how the needle ended up in Toby’s neck but vets suspect that he could have eaten it or laid his head on it.