1 of 4 2 of 4 3 of 4 4 of 4
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Three-year-old Mortimer has not been a very good dog.
The Shanahan family Bulldog had 19 pacifiers removed from his stomach after months of vomiting and nausea, according to the MSPCA's Angell Animal Medical Center.
“It’s likely that Mortimer started nabbing these pacifiers in April, perhaps one at a time, and that started a cycle of nausea and vomiting, which are symptoms that can be caused by so many other health issues,” said Angell vet Dr. Doug Brum. “If not for the urgency with which his family pursued veterinary care, things would have gotten much worse for him.”
Mortimer’s owner, Emily Shanahan, took him to the vet at the first sign of vomiting a few months ago, and later x-rays revealed the pup had eaten pacifiers.
“I was shocked because even though I have two small children at home I’d never imagined he was eating their pacifiers,” said Shanahan.
It’s been over a week since the surgery, when Mortimer’s vet removed the pacifiers via endoscopy. Shanahan says Mortimer is already back to his usual self.
“We absolutely love this dog and would do anything for him—and I’m relieved that this was a problem that could be solved, as opposed to a chronic illness that would cause him long-term suffering,” Shanahan said.
The MSPCA says Mortimer's problem is all too common.
“Mortimer isn’t the first dog to land in this situation and he won’t be the last,” said Dr. Brum.“But we’re just so glad he’s recovered and back home with his family.”
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App