Dog to make full recovery after eating 2 lbs. of rocks
A dog with an abnormal appetite that left
the pooch with "rock hard abs"
underwent emergency surgery at
BluePearl Veterinary hospital in Eden
Prairie, Minn., on Wednesday to remove
16 rocks weighing almost 2 lbs.
The 7-year-old golden retriever named
Gordon likely ate river rocks out of a
garden, but the dog's owner was
perplexed by the pooch's stony meal
since food is always accessible.
Dr. Jeff Yu performed the successful two-
hour operation.
"You don't see too many dogs eat this
many rocks usually," Yu remarked. "Most
dogs will stop after one or two, but
Gordon certainly had quite the
hankering."
Gordon is expected to make a full
recovery.
According to the ASPCA, pica --
consuming non-food items -- is a disorder
that can arise in pets and may be a sign
that a dog's diet is lacking in a nutrient. It
can also be a sign of a digestive disorder,
a parasitic infestation, a metabolic
disorder, or poisoning.
Pica usually occurs in puppies and young
dogs that are bored, but it can develop
into compulsive behavior. In pets that
seem frequently and intensely motivated
to find and eat specific inedible objects,
special training may be needed to correct
that behavior.
