A three‑month‑old Labrador‑cross puppy from Saltash has had a lucky escape after swallowing the entire silicon head of a spatula during a moment of kitchen mischief – prompting an urgent trip to Bristol Vet Specialists (BVS) for specialist treatment.

The pup, named Marlo, is owned by Tyler Ferris, and like many growing puppies he has a talent for sniffing out snacks. Earlier in the day, Marlo had managed to scavenge an unknown amount of kibble from a food cupboard. Later, while Mr Ferris was preparing a peanut‑butter licky mat, Marlo struck again: in his excitement, he gulped down the top of the spatula being used to spread the treat.

Worried, Mr. Ferris rushed him to Albert Cottage Vet Clinic, where vets attempted to induce vomiting using apomorphine – but the stubborn spatula wasn’t going anywhere. With the foreign body still lodged in his stomach, Marlo was referred to the Specialist internal medicine team at Bristol Vet Specialists.

When he arrived at BVS, Marlo underwent a series of investigations. An ultrasound revealed his stomach was markedly distended and filled with a large amount of kibble. A lateral abdominal radiograph confirmed the foreign body – later measured at a sizeable 6.5cm by 3.5cm – was still inside the stomach.

With the object posing a risk of gastrointestinal trauma or even obstruction if left untreated, the BVS team moved quickly. Marlo was placed under general anaesthetic by the Specialist anaesthesia team before undergoing an endoscopic retrieval. Using a long endoscopic camera inserted through his mouth and oesophagus, the team navigated through the mountain of partially digested kibble until they spotted the culprit: the bright red silicon spatula head.

Grasping forceps were carefully used to catch hold of the spatula and guide it back out through Marlo’s mouth. After gently decompressing his stomach, the puppy was woken from anaesthesia and monitored closely. Despite his ordeal – and his adventurous appetite – Marlo made an uneventful recovery and was able to go home just a couple of hours later. He was discharged without medication but with strict instructions to be watched closely… especially around kitchen utensils.

The case was led by Lorna Hardy Resident in Internal Medicine, under the supervision of Emma Roberts RCVS Recognised Specialist and EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Lorna said:

Marlo’s owner Tyler said:

Tyler has since been advised to keep a close eye on the mischievous youngster to help prevent future snack‑related surprises. And as for the spatula? It has now been safely retired from kitchen duties – and Marlo is back to enjoying his meals the traditional way.

Bristol Vet Specialists is one of the largest and most advanced animal hospitals in the UK. The 30,000 sq. ft. multidisciplinary hospital has been custom-built with cutting-edge facilities and equipment. It employs some of the most qualified and experienced veterinary professionals in the world and employs amulti-disciplinary approach, with an entire team around every patient to ensure the best outcome. The site has been designed to facilitate the development of new and emerging treatments and offers the latest technology and treatments in all small animal disciplines including; general surgery, orthopaedics, neurology and neurosurgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, cardiology, dermatology, oncology and dentistry, as well as dedicated anaesthesia, analgesia, diagnostic imaging and intensive care departments.