Monday, 31 August 2026
Tina Jesson speaks with Rodrigo Ventura from Pride Veterinary Referrals in Derby about an extraordinary and potentially life‑threatening case involving Marley, a one‑year‑old Labrador who swallowed a six‑inch wooden barbecue skewer.
Marley showed very few signs of being unwell. Her owners, Victoria and Ian Thorburn, sought help only after noticing a small wound near her rear that wouldn’t heal. After an ultrasound revealed a tract through her body, a CT scan finally pinpointed the skewer — which had remained inside her for months.
Rodrigo explains why wooden objects are so difficult to detect on standard X‑rays, why this case was particularly unusual, and how close the skewer came to causing severe or even life‑threatening damage. The Pride team operated to remove it safely, breaking it into two pieces during surgery. Marley spent two days under observation and has now made a full recovery.
He also shares an important warning for dog owners: dogs can snatch food incredibly quickly, and barbecues pose hidden risks. If a wound doesn’t heal or something doesn’t seem right, further investigation is essential.