14/10/2026
What started as an ordinary training session for Golden Retriever pup Ginger, quickly became anything but ordinary. Ginger was given a tasty treat for her good work, but it got stuck in her throat. Her owners acted quickly, attempting a Heimlich-like manoeuvre, but Ginger collapsed and lost consciousness. She was rushed to her regular vet, who attempted retrieval, then referred on to ARH.
Upon arrival, Ginger was in a critical state, unable to breathe properly and having dangerously low oxygen levels. What followed was a rapid response, highlighting the collaborative and multidisciplinary approach taken at ARH.
Our Emergency and Critical Care team took charge of the initial assessment, quickly identifying the fluid on her lungs that had already begun developing because of the airway obstruction.
Our dedicated veterinary technicians swiftly placed nasal oxygen lines to support Ginger's breathing while the anaesthesia and internal medicine teams were briefed on the plan.
With her airway compromised and her condition deteriorating, our specialist anaesthesia team stepped in to manage her anaesthetic and assess her airway.
A small camera was passed into her airway, allowing the internal medicine team to locate the piece of kibble inside Ginger’s windpipe - obstructing about 90% of it! The kibble was fragile and partially disintegrated during attempts at retrieval.
It was time for plan B! Our critical care specialist and anaesthetist used an improvised device to remove the foreign body. A urinary catheter was inserted into the airway past the obstruction, the balloon was inflated and the obstruction was pulled out from behind.
Unfortunately, Ginger's journey wasn't over just yet, she required ongoing oxygen support and care in our intensive care unit due to the fluid accumulation in her lungs from a condition called noncardiogenic pulmonary oedema.
Two days later, she had regained the unmistakable energy of a puppy who was very ready to go home. She bounded out of ARH just two days after her terrifying ordeal, tail wagging and with an excellent prognosis.
Ginger's case is a wonderful example of what is possible when a skilled, collaborative team works seamlessly together. We wish Ginger all the best with her training!
