The pains in the stomachs indicated a foreign body, but then what exactly happened to Ruud? (Part 1/2)

We had a great Christmas with our family and on the morning of December 25th, Ruudi woke up screaming in pain. We took the situation calmly at first, because he has had stomach ulcers in the past and we know that they can sometimes come up. We did everything that would normally relieve the pain, but nothing worked.

The nearest clinic to us at that time was in Tartu (50 minutes drive). Ruudi received pain medication, but unfortunately it didn’t help at all and when we got to the country house we realized that there was no point in waiting for the medication to work. We drove back to Tallinn at night, Ruudi was screaming in pain every 3-4 minutes during the drive, it really felt like the longest drive in the world. I called the clinic on the way to ask if there was anything else I could do first or if we should come straight to the clinic. Another medication was offered, but unfortunately it didn’t work either and we were soon at the clinic.

At the first visit, Ruudi was examined, a treatment plan was given, and we were sent home. We hoped for the best, but at that moment we didn't know that the visits to the clinic had only just begun. The pain continued and Ruudi showed clear signs that he was really feeling very bad. New visits and new medications followed, but his condition still didn't improve.

Ruudi underwent various tests and there was a strong suspicion that there was a foreign body in his stomach. The doctor prepared us that it was very likely that Ruudi would need surgery in the morning. It was a bit like the end of the world for me, because anesthesia and surgery are the last things I want for my dog. Unfortunately, none of the previous actions had yielded results and there was no choice.

After the surgery, I received a call from the doctor that two foreign bodies were found in his stomach and, unfortunately, the condition of his intestines was not good. During the operation, the doctor had to make a decision whether to remove part of the intestine or try to repair it. Both have their risks, this time they decided to repair it and hope that with treatment the intestines can heal and function properly. Ruudi remained in the clinic under observation until the evening of the next day.

So what caused all this? The foreign body found was a piece of corn cob. How Ruudi got it, we don't know. He is an extremely polite dog and theft is not his thing. However, he has an extremely good appetite and a sharp nose... But you can be sure that corn will no longer end up in our food basket. We all have corn trauma now :)

How many times has Ruudi visited the clinic? It can be said that there are quite a few, I won't mention the calls with the doctors, there are also a whole bunch of them:

• 25.12 at 16.00 clinic, Tartu

• 26.12 at 2.00 visit

• 27.12 at 00.15 visit

• 27.12 at 9.00 visit

• 27.12 at 17.00 visit

• 28.12 at 10.00 visit, surgery and hospitalization

• 29.12 at 20.00 Ruudi goes home

• 3.01 post-surgery check-up

• 9.01 removal of stitches