Dog rushed to vets after making inhaler explode

Sarah Collinson says she and Wilma have "a special bond"

A young dog needed emergency medical treatment after she bit an inhaler, causing it to explode in her mouth.

Wilma, a one-year-old cocker spaniel from Derby, had been playing with the human salbutamol inhaler when she decided to take a bite.

Her owner said she started vomiting and whining about 30 minutes later, prompting her to call a PDSA vet.

The stricken canine was rushed to a pet hospital for urgent treatment but has since made a full recovery.

Owner Sarah Collinson said: "I saw Wilma pick up the inhaler and immediately went to take it from her.

"But then, the inhaler exploded and I panicked. Within 30 minutes, she started vomiting and became extremely restless.

"She was whining, drinking a lot and didn't seem her usual happy self. I was very upset, panicky and didn't know what to do next."

'Special bond'

Derby Pet Hospital Vet team leader Chris Furness said: "When we examined Wilma, we found she had a fast heart rate. We knew that the concentrated form of salbutamol found in inhalers can lead to serious symptoms if swallowed, such as wobbliness, weakness, tremors, and a fast heart and breathing rate.

"She was admitted straight away for intravenous fluid therapy to keep her hydrated, close monitoring for any tremors or weakness that might develop, alongside medications and a blood test.

"The medications we gave her helped to slow down her fast heart rate and bind up the toxins from the inhaler.

"While salbutamol inhalers can sometimes be used as a treatment in dogs, they are dangerous if chewed or swallowed.

"Thankfully, most dogs that chew on salbutamol inhalers recover with treatment within 24 hours. We recommend that all medications are hidden and out of reach of prying paws."

Ms Collinson: "I dread to think what would have happened if PDSA didn't exist as I would have struggled to afford the full cost of Wilma's treatment.

"Me and Wilma have a special bond, so I was devastated when she became unwell. I'm happy to have her back home and healthy."