Shock find of Lion King Ooshie inside a dalmatian

When Hobart woman Heather Quarry’s pet dalmatian turned down food she knew something was wrong. What Winston had swallowed stunned vets. See the shock photo of the gross find.

Heather Quarry of Gagebrook with her dalmatian Winston and Doctor Rhianna Booth of Brighton Veterinary Services. Winston ate a plastic toy Ooshie Lion that required surgery to help him pass it through his body. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

WHEN Hobart woman Heather Quarry’s pet dalmatian started showing signs of sickness she knew something was wrong, but never did she think the Lion King was the cause.

Normally a playful and hungry pet, seven-year-old Winston gave owner Mrs Quarry a fright earlier this month when he showed lethargy and began turning away food.

A vet visit found Winston had a blockage in his intestines.

Surgery couldn’t remove the mysterious mass that was blocking his insides so it had to be pushed towards his colon to be disposed of the natural way.

After a “very stressful” and somewhat baffling period, what turned up in Mrs Quarry’s backyard a few days later still puzzles the Bridgewater grandmother.

Dogs are notorious for ingesting all sorts of things but a Woolworths Lion King Ooshie toy is possibly one of the most unique items to have been consumed by — and come out the other end of — a canine. Mrs Quarry said she has no idea how Winston came across the toy.

“I didn’t even know what an Ooshie was when the vet clinic pointed out that it was a toy Lion King that Winston ate,” she said.

“He’s eaten a sock or two before so I thought that’s what might’ve caused his intestinal block.

“I still have no idea where he found the toy.

“I’m so glad Rhianna and the team at Brighton Veterinary Services were able to help him.

“We went there and they were fully booked out but they managed to squeeze us in.”

Dalmatian Winston ate a plastic toy Ooshie Lion that required surgery to help him pass it through. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Dr Booth said while the situation was unusual, a large amount of pet owners were turning up to the clinic after their pets had consumed household items.

“People need to be aware that their dogs will eat just about anything,” she said.

“It’s important for pet owners to keep an eye on things lying around that could be consumed by their pets.”