“This vet is our hero. By learning how to do what she did, one day you could save your dog’s life.”
Watching your dog choke on something stuck in their throat would be terrifying. If you can’t remove it yourself, you have few options except getting to the nearest veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
That is what happened to this German shepherd named Clyde. Clyde was taken to Travelers Rest Animal Hospital with a Classic Kong toy stuck in his throat.
We don’t know how it came about that Clyde got his toy stuck. But one could presume he was playing with it like he probably always did when the unthinkable happened.
However, working dogs such as German shepherds, are more at risk of choking due to their high drive and intense focus for reward, according to Veterinary Partners.
According to Travelers Rest Animal Hospital’s Facebook post, Dr. Hunt saved Clyde’s life that day and he was one thankful pup.
“Clyde was relieved to have Dr. Hunt expel his entrapped Kong toy from his esophagus so quickly and we were all impressed with her amazing technique.”
She did it by using the External Extraction Technique. She placed Clyde on his back and pressed on his trachea, below the toy, to dislodge it like this:
“Identify landmarks – trachea (ringed tube), ball location, the mandible (v-shaped jaw bone). Make an open diamond shape with your hands. Place your thumbs on either side of the trachea below the ball or object. Grip the “V” of the jaw using the lip/cheek to protect the fingers. Push with a J-stroke down and out against the ball until it ejects from the mouth.”
“According to Veterinary Partner, “the External Extraction Technique (XXT) is a safer, more effective treatment/intervention for choking in an unconscious dog. This technique is indicated for full airway obstruction of a ball or similar object in an unconscious patient.”
Traditionally, there are several techniques used to save choking dogs, including, “performing the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts), removal with forceps, performing a finger sweep (in an unconscious patient), or rescue breathing. Advanced airway techniques (surgical cricothyrotomy) may be an option in a veterinary clinic, or with adequate prehospital training in the field.”
XXT is indicated for:
• Full airway obstruction
• Ball or similar hazard
• Unconscious patient
Dr. Hunt did an amazing job and saved Clyde’s life. The Travelers Rest Animal Hospital Facebook page shared, “We still love Kongs, for chewing and dental care. Just don’t throw it in the air as a catch toy.”
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