A BISHOPTON woman was left horrified after discovering her “mischievous” puppy had eaten her strong painkillers.
Fiona Murray was shocked to find her box of naproxen, a powerful anti-inflammatory, ripped open and 12 tablets missing.
The quick-thinking animal lover then rushed her six-month-old cockapoo, Delilah-dee, to Vets Now in Glasgow after making the discovery on Sunday, August 7.
The photography student also had to take her other dog, seven-year-old Doughall, for treatment after fearing he had swallowed the pills as well.
Tests showed only the puppy had ingested the medication but Fiona has now been left with a vet bill costing around £5000 for the treatment.
Fiona told our sister title The Glasgow Times: “My puppy is the cutest thing you have ever seen but she is so mischievous.
“I found the box and it was completely ripped apart in the kitchen and 12 tablets were missing.
“Naproxen can be fatal to dogs so I had to rush them over to the vet right away.
“My older dog hadn’t had any but the puppy’s blood showed she had. I couldn’t believe it.
“It was a really frightening experience.”
Fiona is now thrilled her dog has made a full recovery and is praising the “amazing” staff at Vets Now in Glasgow.
She hailed the team for their “empathy and communication” as they nursed her pet back to health.
Fiona said: “The vet took both my dogs right away. They were absolutely amazing. I really have never experienced a service like that before.
“They had real empathy and care as well as great communication which was so good.
“They had to make them both sick and put them on special drips while kept overnight.
“I was allowed to go visit and was reassured by staff who spoiled them while they were there.
“They absolutely saved them and I am so grateful for the amazing work they do.”
Gemma Masterton, veterinary surgeon at Vets Now Hospital Glasgow, said: "Doughall and Delilah presented to the hospital after their owner noticed they had potentially ingested a very dangerous and toxic dose of naproxen, a common human anti-inflammatory painkiller.
“When ingested by dogs, the medication can cause severe gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding and also damage to the kidneys known as 'acute kidney injury'.
“Initially, we weren't sure if it was Doughall or Delilah, or both, who had access to the medication so they were both admitted to hospital for blood tests and supportive treatments which included gastroprotectant medications, fluid therapy and monitoring.
“They were such good patients and the ward team made sure they had lots of love and attention during their stay with us.
“Thankfully, Doughall and Delilah both made a great recovery.
“Accidental ingestions of human medication can be incredibly dangerous for your pets, so if you suspect your pet may have had access to something they shouldn't have, please don't hesitate to contact your vet as soon as possible.”
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