Chestergates Veterinary Specialists perform life‑saving endoscopy after stone sits in dog’s stomach for three weeks
A much‑loved family dog from Cheshire is lucky to be alive after swallowing a peach stone that stayed inside her stomach for three weeks – before the expert team at Chestergates Veterinary Specialists carried out an urgent procedure to save her life.
Lola, a 10‑year‑old dog owned by Chester local Libby Mattocks, had always been known for pinching the occasional snack. But when she nabbed a peach stone that slipped out of her owner’s nan’s hand, nobody realised the small accident could turn into a major medical emergency.
Libby explained:
Lola was first seen at MiNightVet Chester, the out‑of‑hours emergency service run by CVS. Staff quickly scanned Lola’s stomach and confirmed the peach stone was still inside. They attempted to make Lola sick in the hope the stone would come up - but it was already too late. The stone had lodged in the stomach, and unfortunately it stubbornly refused to move.
With Lola still bright and showing no discomfort, Libby was told there was a slim chance - “about 50/50” - that the stone might pass naturally. But after three long weeks, it became clear things were getting worse.
Libby said:
That’s when Lola was urgently referred to CVS Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, a leading local animal hospital in Chester known for advanced care and complex procedures. There, specialist Andrea Petrelli, EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Medicine, led a team to diagnose and treat the risky blockage.
Andrea said:
Given Lola’s age - and an existing heart condition - the Chestergates team decided the safest approach was a gastroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure using a camera to locate and retrieve the object without the need for major surgery.
Andrea continued:
Once the stone was pulled out, the team thoroughly examined Lola’s stomach and intestine to check for ulcers, inflammation, or further issues. After recovering smoothly and rapidly following the procedure, Lola was discharged and reunited with an overjoyed Libby the same day. Thanks to the teamwork of MiNightVet Chester and CVS Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, Lola is now safely back at home, fully recovered - and hopefully steering clear of fruit bowls.
The risks of leaving the stone in place were serious. If the stone had not been removed, it could have caused severe ulceration, obstruction, or even a perforation of the stomach - all of which can lead to life‑threatening complications requiring emergency surgery.
The frightening ordeal serves as an important warning to local pet owners. Fruit stones - including peaches, plums and apricots - can be extremely dangerous if swallowed.
Andrea concludes: