I have been a couple hours at the emergency veterinary clinic this afternoon. Ozzie gave me quite a scare. I had invited him to jump into the car with me for a ride to the post office, and while we were en route, I noticed he was acting like he had something in his mouth. A very long black thread was trailing out the side of his muzzle. When I stopped the car, I had a closer look. I gently pulled on the end of the thread, and Ozzie squealed in pain. I tried to open his mouth to see what was in there and managed to get a peek at the inside.
He had black thread all knotted and wrapped around his tongue. His tongue was swollen, the thread was cutting into him and I could not get it off. He cried and thrashed and I realized this was too much of a job for me. So I kept on going right to the nearest veterinary hospital.
They whisked us in immediately, which was wonderful, since we had never even been there before. The veterinarian was super concerned that he might have swallowed a bobbin! That is extremely serious, because the thread can wind all around the intestines and cut the blood flow off and even kill a pet. I was terrified. Had he gotten a bobbin and swallowed it? I didn’t think so, but you know Ozzie, he is pretty tricky and always into everything. They did ex-rays which, thank goodness, did not reveal that he had a bobbin in his tummy. That would have involved a drive to Santa Cruz to a canine specialist to have it fished out, and possibly even surgery!!
They had to sedate him to get his mouth open and to cut out the knotted thread and pull the thread that he had swallowed out of his esophagus. I finally got him home, but he is all knocked out from the sedation. Poor fellow. I just cannot believe the things he can get into. I don’t even know where he got the thread! I don’t have any projects that use black thread, and I didn’t think he could get up where I keep my bobbins, where I do have one that holds black thread.
So all my friends out there with pets, watch out for long pieces of thread, attached to a spool or bobbin or not. The vet told me that cats are even more prone to swallowing it than dogs, and the consequences can be dire.
$300 later, we are home safe and I am just cuddling him in my arms thanking my lucky stars this story didn’t have a different ending.
110 responses to “Ozzie’s “Incident”, and a Cautionary Tale”
Oh my goodness, I am glad to hear that Ozzie is okay. Do you think this will curtail his little adventures of being curious. I hope so.
Oh my goodness, I am glad to hear that Ozzie is okay. Do you think this will curtail his little adventures of being curious. I hope so.
Thank goodness Poor Ozzie is ok. And I’ll bet Nicole could use a nice glass of wine after that scare.
Thank goodness Poor Ozzie is ok. And I’ll bet Nicole could use a nice glass of wine after that scare.
OH…..my lord! What next???!!!! Poor Ozzie and poor you! That would be very frightening. I hope Ozzie will feel better after he sleeps. Sorry you both had to go through that. Who would have thought when you got out of bed this morning that your day was going to turn out like that? Just goes to show we never know what each new day will bring. Have a great weekend. Nancy in WI
OH…..my lord! What next???!!!! Poor Ozzie and poor you! That would be very frightening. I hope Ozzie will feel better after he sleeps. Sorry you both had to go through that. Who would have thought when you got out of bed this morning that your day was going to turn out like that? Just goes to show we never know what each new day will bring. Have a great weekend. Nancy in WI
Oh no! I am so glad it ended okay. Remember when Beau ate a needle at Kate’s house? They were more concerned about the possibility of thread than the needle – which did eventually work its way out with just a little assistance.
Poor guy – give him a hug and kiss for me.
Oh no! I am so glad it ended okay. Remember when Beau ate a needle at Kate’s house? They were more concerned about the possibility of thread than the needle – which did eventually work its way out with just a little assistance.
Poor guy – give him a hug and kiss for me.
Oh my! Poor Ozzieman. He does get into things like no other dog I have ever heard of. Sounds like it was good you figured it out when you did. What a day.
Oh my! Poor Ozzieman. He does get into things like no other dog I have ever heard of. Sounds like it was good you figured it out when you did. What a day.
Oh, this incident is no laughing matter. I’m so happy he is okay now. You must have been so frightened. Thank goodness you took him with you and discovered the problem. Hugs to you and Ozzie.
Oh, this incident is no laughing matter. I’m so happy he is okay now. You must have been so frightened. Thank goodness you took him with you and discovered the problem. Hugs to you and Ozzie.
Poor Ozzie – I’m glad he’s ok. Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s hard to keep him out of everything – he’s pretty wiley as I’ve witnessed firsthand!
Poor Ozzie – I’m glad he’s ok. Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s hard to keep him out of everything – he’s pretty wiley as I’ve witnessed firsthand!
I’m always afraid of this happening. I’m so glad it was a happy ending!
I’m always afraid of this happening. I’m so glad it was a happy ending!
That is just crazy. I didn’t know a dog would swallow a bobbin.
That is just crazy. I didn’t know a dog would swallow a bobbin.
Oh my gosh! Poor Ozzie! Well, I have cats, and they get into trouble too. I have one little kitty who several years ago managed to find a needle and thread that I was going to use to sew on a button, left it on the bathroom counter for seconds and came back, gone. I found her just in time choking it down! I couldn’t believe it, she swallowed the needle and thread! Took her to the emergency room, they said it is very common for cats to do that! I don’t know how she did it! Anyway, $800 later, after an operation, she was fine. I am soooo careful with my needles and thread now. Anyway, I am so glad the little stinker is ok!
Oh my gosh! Poor Ozzie! Well, I have cats, and they get into trouble too. I have one little kitty who several years ago managed to find a needle and thread that I was going to use to sew on a button, left it on the bathroom counter for seconds and came back, gone. I found her just in time choking it down! I couldn’t believe it, she swallowed the needle and thread! Took her to the emergency room, they said it is very common for cats to do that! I don’t know how she did it! Anyway, $800 later, after an operation, she was fine. I am soooo careful with my needles and thread now. Anyway, I am so glad the little stinker is ok!
Oh Ozzie! Poor little guy ((((hugs))) I am so glad he is okay. He is such a special dog. Thank you for the warning. I have westies and I would be devastated if anything happened to them like that. Also be careful of carrot pieces. My dog snitched one and almost died…
Oh Ozzie! Poor little guy ((((hugs))) I am so glad he is okay. He is such a special dog. Thank you for the warning. I have westies and I would be devastated if anything happened to them like that. Also be careful of carrot pieces. My dog snitched one and almost died…
I’m so glad came out of that little escapade okay. He’s such a cutie. I have a cat who loves to chew anything stringy. One time I saw something black dangling off his tail. I called my husband to see and he pulled a good foot and a half of black thread out of the cat’s nether regions. Eew! Thank goodness it came out without getting tangled in his intestines! We (and he) got lucky!
I’m so glad came out of that little escapade okay. He’s such a cutie. I have a cat who loves to chew anything stringy. One time I saw something black dangling off his tail. I called my husband to see and he pulled a good foot and a half of black thread out of the cat’s nether regions. Eew! Thank goodness it came out without getting tangled in his intestines! We (and he) got lucky!
Oh my goodness, Nicole! When I looked at Ozzie’s photo, I thought he looked “more sedate than usual”. As we all know, that just isn’t Ozzie’s MO. Then I proceeded to read the frightening scenario~~poor Ozzie, and poor you! I’m so glad he didn’t swallow the thread, and I’m so glad you are his loving Mommy. p.s. Your Friday finish is simply stunning~~again, you are such an inspiration!
Oh my goodness, Nicole! When I looked at Ozzie’s photo, I thought he looked “more sedate than usual”. As we all know, that just isn’t Ozzie’s MO. Then I proceeded to read the frightening scenario~~poor Ozzie, and poor you! I’m so glad he didn’t swallow the thread, and I’m so glad you are his loving Mommy. p.s. Your Friday finish is simply stunning~~again, you are such an inspiration!
Thank goodness Ozzie is all right he could have gotten the cotton anywhere The hem of a dress that was on the clothes line oroff the edge of a rug you just never know if only he could talk. you will never know.
Hugs Mary.
Thank goodness Ozzie is all right he could have gotten the cotton anywhere The hem of a dress that was on the clothes line oroff the edge of a rug you just never know if only he could talk. you will never know.
Hugs Mary.
Aww poor Ozzie, I can imagine the panick you must have felt. I have a dog who loves to grab every loose thread, I’m constantly removing it from her mouth.
Aww poor Ozzie, I can imagine the panick you must have felt. I have a dog who loves to grab every loose thread, I’m constantly removing it from her mouth.
Poor Ozzie! I’m so glad he’s OK. ~Adrienne~
Poor Ozzie! I’m so glad he’s OK. ~Adrienne~
Oh, Nicole!! Thank goodness you took him with you and noticed the problem! And thank heavens they were able to remove the thread without invasive surgery!
I’m always nervous about our cats around thread ’cause I’ve heard how dire the consequences really can be.
I am so glad Ozzie came through this okay!
Oh, Nicole!! Thank goodness you took him with you and noticed the problem! And thank heavens they were able to remove the thread without invasive surgery!
I’m always nervous about our cats around thread ’cause I’ve heard how dire the consequences really can be.
I am so glad Ozzie came through this okay!
Omigoodness! I’m SO GLAD that Ozzie is ok! What a terrible experience, I feel awful for you!
Omigoodness! I’m SO GLAD that Ozzie is ok! What a terrible experience, I feel awful for you!
so glad Ozzie is going to be okay! (((hugglies))) for you
so glad Ozzie is going to be okay! (((hugglies))) for you
thank goodness Ozzie is home and yes its so scary when dogs do something out of the ordinary, ozzie is lovely bless him all cuddly
thank goodness Ozzie is home and yes its so scary when dogs do something out of the ordinary, ozzie is lovely bless him all cuddly
Thank heavens it wasn’t more serious for your baby boy! This has been a good reminder. I pick up dropped pins immediately so no one (me included) steps on them, but I hadn’t thought about the possibility of my pups swallowing loose threads or a needle. I’ll be much more careful.
Thank heavens it wasn’t more serious for your baby boy! This has been a good reminder. I pick up dropped pins immediately so no one (me included) steps on them, but I hadn’t thought about the possibility of my pups swallowing loose threads or a needle. I’ll be much more careful.
Poor Ozzie, but thank god, everything is ok right now…What a horrible start in the weekend… Your last quilt is so amazing. It´s fun and inspiration to look at it!
I wish you a nice relaxing weekend with NOTHING BAD!!!
All the best for you and Ozzie!
Sabine
Poor Ozzie, but thank god, everything is ok right now…What a horrible start in the weekend… Your last quilt is so amazing. It´s fun and inspiration to look at it!
I wish you a nice relaxing weekend with NOTHING BAD!!!
All the best for you and Ozzie!
Sabine
I don’t know whether you are Ozzie are going to gray hair first, but the two of you are definitely headed there. He is as bad as raising a child when it comes to worry, lol. Glad he is ok, Nicole. It will take a couple of days for you I am afraid.
I don’t know whether you are Ozzie are going to gray hair first, but the two of you are definitely headed there. He is as bad as raising a child when it comes to worry, lol. Glad he is ok, Nicole. It will take a couple of days for you I am afraid.
How scary! Glad it all worked out and that Ozzie is home safe and sound.
How scary! Glad it all worked out and that Ozzie is home safe and sound.
Ohmygod, Nicole, it must have been terrible for both of you! Poor Ozzie!
I’m so glad that everything turned out well…my fingers are crossed that it won’t happen again…!! Big hugs to you two,
Julia
P.S.: thinking of fingers crossed – mine are still crossed for your job :o)
Ohmygod, Nicole, it must have been terrible for both of you! Poor Ozzie!
I’m so glad that everything turned out well…my fingers are crossed that it won’t happen again…!! Big hugs to you two,
Julia
P.S.: thinking of fingers crossed – mine are still crossed for your job :o)
similar incident with our youngest cat. although, she was actually trying to digest the bit of thread she had eaten. and it got stuck and apparently the intestines will scrunch and cramp trying to digest it. the vet said sewing thread is the worst because it is so strong. she finally passed it with essentially beef flavored vaseline…. so now, i keep a very close eye on her when i sew… over $800 for us though and very scary.
similar incident with our youngest cat. although, she was actually trying to digest the bit of thread she had eaten. and it got stuck and apparently the intestines will scrunch and cramp trying to digest it. the vet said sewing thread is the worst because it is so strong. she finally passed it with essentially beef flavored vaseline…. so now, i keep a very close eye on her when i sew… over $800 for us though and very scary.
Oh Nicole what a scary experience…I am so glad tht he’s OK and that you both made it through that very scary day. Give him a hug!
Oh Nicole what a scary experience…I am so glad tht he’s OK and that you both made it through that very scary day. Give him a hug!
With 5 cats I will take that under advisement! I am sooo glad to know that he is ok. Thank goodness you realized when you did!! Go have a nice relaxing glass of wine and realax, your baby is ok now!
With 5 cats I will take that under advisement! I am sooo glad to know that he is ok. Thank goodness you realized when you did!! Go have a nice relaxing glass of wine and realax, your baby is ok now!
Oh my! I am so glad that Ozzie is ok! Thank god he did not swallow a bobbin- I have a Boxer who loves to lounge on my quilts and fabric and under my sewing table-so thanks for sharing this- I will be more diligent in throwing out my long threads than throwing them on the floor!
Happy Ozzie is ok!
Oh my! I am so glad that Ozzie is ok! Thank god he did not swallow a bobbin- I have a Boxer who loves to lounge on my quilts and fabric and under my sewing table-so thanks for sharing this- I will be more diligent in throwing out my long threads than throwing them on the floor!
Happy Ozzie is ok!
Oh MY ! The poor Darling. I’ve heard of cats doing this but never a dog. I hope he feels much better real soon. Maybe it will make him wary of anything thready. One can hope!
Big hugs to you both.
Oh MY ! The poor Darling. I’ve heard of cats doing this but never a dog. I hope he feels much better real soon. Maybe it will make him wary of anything thready. One can hope!
Big hugs to you both.
Hugs and pats for Ozzie. I have heard of this happening to cats, this is the 1st for a puppy. Leave it to Ozzie bless his little heart.
Hugs and pats for Ozzie. I have heard of this happening to cats, this is the 1st for a puppy. Leave it to Ozzie bless his little heart.
Poor Ozzie! I’m glad he’s getting ok again.
Poor Ozzie! I’m glad he’s getting ok again.
Oh my goodness my friend. I’m so thankful everything turned out alright. Please know I really do know what this is like, you’re not alone – it happens. Oh my, it is indeed a cautionary tale but perhaps what’s most important to remember is “we do the best we can but we sometimes…well things happen.”
Hugs to you Both my friend. *karendianne.
Oh my goodness my friend. I’m so thankful everything turned out alright. Please know I really do know what this is like, you’re not alone – it happens. Oh my, it is indeed a cautionary tale but perhaps what’s most important to remember is “we do the best we can but we sometimes…well things happen.”
Hugs to you Both my friend. *karendianne.
Poor Ozzie–so glad he’s okay. Count me in among those who have pulled thread out of a cat’s backside. I hadn’t heard before that about the dangers possible, and was so grateful it had passed through!
Poor Ozzie–so glad he’s okay. Count me in among those who have pulled thread out of a cat’s backside. I hadn’t heard before that about the dangers possible, and was so grateful it had passed through!
OH Poor Ozzie, my cat got hold once of a needle and thread too when I walked 4 feet away to get water and started chewing. We chased him all through the house and when I finally got hold of him, I pried his mouth open and sticking straight out with the eye towards his throat and the point coming straight out was the needle. I grabbed it and pulled the whole thing right out with 20 inches of thread. Scared the bejeezus out of me and I never leave any thread or needle even for a second. He’s just too quick!
They are very quick and just can’t resist! Glad they took care of it quickly
OH Poor Ozzie, my cat got hold once of a needle and thread too when I walked 4 feet away to get water and started chewing. We chased him all through the house and when I finally got hold of him, I pried his mouth open and sticking straight out with the eye towards his throat and the point coming straight out was the needle. I grabbed it and pulled the whole thing right out with 20 inches of thread. Scared the bejeezus out of me and I never leave any thread or needle even for a second. He’s just too quick!
They are very quick and just can’t resist! Glad they took care of it quickly
Oh no, how awful… I am so glad that you are both doing well, so scary, these darn terriers just do not understand that some things are really bad, they just love to get into things to get our attention… Hugs to you both
Oh no, how awful… I am so glad that you are both doing well, so scary, these darn terriers just do not understand that some things are really bad, they just love to get into things to get our attention… Hugs to you both
BONSOIR NICOLE
QUE D EMOTIONS MAIS MAINTENANT TOUT VA ALLER POUR LE MIEUX ALORS JE VOUS SOUHAITE UN BON WEEK END AVEC OZZIE SUR VOS GENOUX ET JE FAIS DES CARESSES A CE PETIT CHIEN
A TRES BIENTOT
MARIE CLAUDE
BONSOIR NICOLE
QUE D EMOTIONS MAIS MAINTENANT TOUT VA ALLER POUR LE MIEUX ALORS JE VOUS SOUHAITE UN BON WEEK END AVEC OZZIE SUR VOS GENOUX ET JE FAIS DES CARESSES A CE PETIT CHIEN
A TRES BIENTOT
MARIE CLAUDE
Oh my Nicole……soooooo glad Ozzie is ok and that your heart is back where it belongs…what an awful scare……Elaine
Oh my Nicole……soooooo glad Ozzie is ok and that your heart is back where it belongs…what an awful scare……Elaine
Oh…I am SO glad that Ozzie came out of that okay! That was scary, I am sure.
Love your blog and all the fun pictures~
Jo-Anne
Oh…I am SO glad that Ozzie came out of that okay! That was scary, I am sure.
Love your blog and all the fun pictures~
Jo-Anne
Ozzie!!!!!! I am so glad that you are better and on the way to recovery.
It is so scary when they have something like that happen. I’m trying to teach Maggie not to even go into my sewing room if the door is open. Too many dangers!!!!
Ozzie!!!!!! I am so glad that you are better and on the way to recovery.
It is so scary when they have something like that happen. I’m trying to teach Maggie not to even go into my sewing room if the door is open. Too many dangers!!!!
I’m so glad Ozzie is OK. That is so scary. He is adorable. I have a beloved friend too, a Golden Retriever named Bailey. I would croak if something happened to him.
I’m so glad Ozzie is OK. That is so scary. He is adorable. I have a beloved friend too, a Golden Retriever named Bailey. I would croak if something happened to him.
HOLY COW. I’m glad Ozzie’s ok. I wonder where he found that thread, probably could have been from anything. Holy. cow.
Coventry turned out great!
HOLY COW. I’m glad Ozzie’s ok. I wonder where he found that thread, probably could have been from anything. Holy. cow.
Coventry turned out great!
Poor sweet widdle baby boy!!! I’m sooo glad you saw the thread. We just adore Ozzie and even though we live 2000 miles away, Me and Hannah are quite smitten with that sweetdog. If something had happend to him, well I just can’t think about it. I’m just thankful he is OK!! Hugs to you both ;O) Amie and Hannah, Tn.
Poor sweet widdle baby boy!!! I’m sooo glad you saw the thread. We just adore Ozzie and even though we live 2000 miles away, Me and Hannah are quite smitten with that sweetdog. If something had happend to him, well I just can’t think about it. I’m just thankful he is OK!! Hugs to you both ;O) Amie and Hannah, Tn.
Poor Ozzie, you must have been scared out of your wits, Nicole, I know you adore Ozzie. I am so glad all ended well.
Poor Ozzie, you must have been scared out of your wits, Nicole, I know you adore Ozzie. I am so glad all ended well.
Oh how scary!. . . for the both of you! It’s amazing that you happened to take him with you & were already in the car & could get to the vet so quickly. What a blessing that it all came out okay. Hugs for both of you! xo, Bren
Oh how scary!. . . for the both of you! It’s amazing that you happened to take him with you & were already in the car & could get to the vet so quickly. What a blessing that it all came out okay. Hugs for both of you! xo, Bren
Oh poor Ozzie and you too. That must have been tramatic. Glad it wasn’t the bobbin. How weird is that. I’ll be watching Fudge.
Oh poor Ozzie and you too. That must have been tramatic. Glad it wasn’t the bobbin. How weird is that. I’ll be watching Fudge.
Thank goodness you discovered the problem when you did. There’s just no telling what Ozzie will get up to, is there. Hope he is recovering well from his ordeal.
Thank goodness you discovered the problem when you did. There’s just no telling what Ozzie will get up to, is there. Hope he is recovering well from his ordeal.
OH MY GOODNESS – I’m so thankful that little Ozzie is OK – what a scare that had to be for you and for him, because I know I would have felt if that was Cami. Give him an extra big hug from me.
Hugs to Ozzie and You 🙂
OH MY GOODNESS – I’m so thankful that little Ozzie is OK – what a scare that had to be for you and for him, because I know I would have felt if that was Cami. Give him an extra big hug from me.
Hugs to Ozzie and You 🙂
Poor Ozzie!!! I hope he learned his lesson! ;0)
Also be careful with rubber bowls. Two years ago one of ours had to have surgery to remove a chunk of rubber he tore off from a rubber bowl we used for water in winter. After 5 months, it must had moved through and was blocking the intestines. Needless to say we don’t use rubber bowls anymore.
Feel better Ozzie!!!
Poor Ozzie!!! I hope he learned his lesson! ;0)
Also be careful with rubber bowls. Two years ago one of ours had to have surgery to remove a chunk of rubber he tore off from a rubber bowl we used for water in winter. After 5 months, it must had moved through and was blocking the intestines. Needless to say we don’t use rubber bowls anymore.
Feel better Ozzie!!!
Oh poor Ozzie! I know how scary this is, I’ve been thru it with one of my kitties TWO TIMES.
The first time he swallowed tons of thread which was wrapped around his tongue. He needed surgery on his stomach to get it out, and for several days, we were not sure if he would survive. Thankfully, he was fine in the end. However, he didn’t learn his lesson (though I sure got SUPER cautious about thread). Still…a couple years later, he did it again. That time, he didn’t need surgery (we would NOT have done it a second time), but passed the thread without incident after several very scary days for us.
Oh poor Ozzie! I know how scary this is, I’ve been thru it with one of my kitties TWO TIMES.
The first time he swallowed tons of thread which was wrapped around his tongue. He needed surgery on his stomach to get it out, and for several days, we were not sure if he would survive. Thankfully, he was fine in the end. However, he didn’t learn his lesson (though I sure got SUPER cautious about thread). Still…a couple years later, he did it again. That time, he didn’t need surgery (we would NOT have done it a second time), but passed the thread without incident after several very scary days for us.
Oh my goodness that crazy Ozzie! I’m so relieved to hear he is okay. What a nightmare that could have been! Never a dull moment with him around, eh?!?!?
Oh my goodness that crazy Ozzie! I’m so relieved to hear he is okay. What a nightmare that could have been! Never a dull moment with him around, eh?!?!?
The poor guy. Thank goodness he’s ok.
The poor guy. Thank goodness he’s ok.
That Ozzie — what a case!!! I’m so glad he’s ok. Ozzie is after Scruff our kitty’s heart. Three years ago he ate about a yard of ribbon, only we didn’t know how bad it was. A week later his system shut down. Took him to the Dr. and the x-rayed — not only did he have the ribbon but farther along (and closer to the end) was a big needle with pearl cotton that I’d been using to tie a baby quilt (I wondered where that disappeared to – duh!) Surgery and $1500 later he was as good as new. We try to be SO careful now but, boy, is it hard!
That Ozzie — what a case!!! I’m so glad he’s ok. Ozzie is after Scruff our kitty’s heart. Three years ago he ate about a yard of ribbon, only we didn’t know how bad it was. A week later his system shut down. Took him to the Dr. and the x-rayed — not only did he have the ribbon but farther along (and closer to the end) was a big needle with pearl cotton that I’d been using to tie a baby quilt (I wondered where that disappeared to – duh!) Surgery and $1500 later he was as good as new. We try to be SO careful now but, boy, is it hard!
Poor Ozzie and poor you! How horrifying for you both! I’m so happy everything is fine now. I do watch my girls to make sure they don’t get hold of thread or bobbins. Sometimes Gracie gets thread in her mouth, and luckily I catch her before she can eat it. How she gets hold of it, I will never know! They’re sneaky!
Poor Ozzie and poor you! How horrifying for you both! I’m so happy everything is fine now. I do watch my girls to make sure they don’t get hold of thread or bobbins. Sometimes Gracie gets thread in her mouth, and luckily I catch her before she can eat it. How she gets hold of it, I will never know! They’re sneaky!
Jean told me about Ozzie’s incident and I have to tell you that I am so glad that you caught it in time. God works his miracles, doesn’t He?
Hugs to that sweet Ozzie!
Becky
Jean told me about Ozzie’s incident and I have to tell you that I am so glad that you caught it in time. God works his miracles, doesn’t He?
Hugs to that sweet Ozzie!
Becky