IT was nearly a case of last supper for a puppy which is lucky to be alive after eating a barbeque skewer.

The implement punctured the dog's intestine and caused an infection so serious he would have died if left untreated.

Owner Julie Chamberlain, from Ponteland, near Newcastle, first became concerned when seven-month-old Bull Mastiff cross, Kuma, went off his food and started being sick.

She rushed him to Gateshead PDSA Pet Hospital, where an ultrasound scan showed unusual fluid in his abdomen.

With x-rays not clearing up the mystery of Kuma’s distress the next step was for vets to carry out exploratory surgery.

PDSA Vet Nurse, Rebecca Johnston, said: “Everyone was stunned when we found out what was causing the problem: “Kuma had a large abscess in his abdomen. We then found the culprit - a 10cm wooden kebab skewer.

"It had clearly been there for a while, as it had punctured through his intestine to move into his abdominal cavity. This had caused a major infection - Kuma is very lucky to be alive!”

Kuma received round-the-clock intensive care from PDSA for a couple of days, but thankfully he was soon back on four paws.

Ms Chamberlain said: “We thought we would lose him. The kids were devastated and I was heartbroken.

"When the vet said it was a kebab skewer I was totally shocked, as I’m incredibly careful with Kuma due to his tendency to eat everything in sight. I have no idea where he got it from.
"I’m just so grateful to PDSA for everything they’ve done, the care and attention Kuma received was second to none.”

Kuma has a history of gobbling things he shouldn’t – he tried to eat his own harness once and has also chewed and eaten half a remote control.

Ms Chamberlain added: “Kuma is adorable but it’s like having a naughty toddler – I have to keep an eye on him every hour of every day.

"He sleeps in my room with the door closed so he doesn’t get into mischief at night and wears a muzzle outside the house, simply to prevent him eating anything he comes across. I’ve now started working with a dog trainer to help with Kuma’s behaviour, and to teach him what he can and can’t eat!”

With barbeque season approaching, PDSA vets have put together a handy guide to keep pets safe and sound this Bank Holiday. It is available at www.pdsa.org.uk/summerhealth