|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Fish Hooks and Dogs By Andy Kohly Gun Dog Section Leader Recently I was talking with friends Michael Rosenburger and Doug Burt from Arizona Sportsman’s Journal about Doug’s dog Java. Java has become something of a figurehead or mascot for Arizona Sportsman’s Journal as she frequently accompanies Doug and the team on many of their travels while taping each weekly segment of Arizona Sportsman’s Journal.
In the conversation I learned that in a precious moment of free time Doug had gone fishing at Cortez Park and unfortunately, poor Java found some discarded fishing line and hook, littering the bank. To make matter worse, Java ingested the fishhook and it lodged deep inside her.
While the story had a happy ending in that Java completely recovered, Doug spent around $1500 for surgery to have the hook removed. This event even prompted the Arizona Sportsman’s Journal Team to include public service announcements on some of their shows following this event. Considering the risk and the expense I’m glad they did…
Thinking back, I can recall many times I’ve walked along a lake shore or stream bank and seen miles and miles of fishing line as well as countless hooks that until I had heard about Java, represented little more to me than pollution by slobs. Considering what happened with Java though I see this as a very real danger for those of us who like to have our dogs’ tag along on our fishing junkets as well as our hunts. As such I though it prudent to research the matter and share my findings. I feel fairly confident that regardless of the situation, I have a pretty good grasp of canine first aid. A fishhook is another matter entirely, as I have never been faced with that one. Below are the steps you can take if your dog ever has a run in with a with a fish hook…
SymptomsDrooling, pawing at the mouth, or trouble swallowing. Fishhooks in the paw will cause limping.
First Aid For A Hook In Limbs, Tail Or Other Non-Vital AreaIn the event the hook has passed through the skin, simply cut hook behind the barb. After the hook is cut, remove the pieces. If the hook has not passed through, push the hook through and then cut behind the barb and remove. NOTE: Use your head here. If the hook is anywhere near the throat, mouth, eyes or nose, proceed directly to your veterinarian. Veterinary TreatmentThe veterinarian will probably give your dog anesthetic to reduce the pain when removing the hook. In the event the hook has been swallowed as in Java’s case, the veterinarian may end up performing surgery.
After CareMost wounds will heal quickly without much further care. Foot wounds should be cleaned and bandaged. If surgery was performed, keep the stitches clean and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
About
AZOD.com
|
Privacy Statement |
Submission of info Policy|
E-mail the Editor |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
.jpg)
.JPG)
