We can help pets like Henry thanks to Gifts in Wills

Henry bounces back after swallowing ball

PDSA vets in Margate carried out lifesaving surgery on a dog struck down by a mystery illness – and discovered a tennis ball in his stomach.

One-year-old Labrador, Henry, was taken to PDSA’s Pet Clinic in Margate, The Frank and Ethel Fright Centre, by owners Howard and Dawn Elvy when he stopped eating and began crying with pain.

“Henry usually enjoys his food, so when he went off it we were worried,” says Howard. “He was crying loudly and was clearly in a lot of pain, so we took him straight to PDSA.”

Henry underwent emergency tests to find the cause of his illness. His worried owners were shocked when an x-ray revealed a tennis ball was blocking his stomach.

Howard said: “We were worried sick. It must have been really nasty for him and it’s terrible to think the blockage could have killed him.”

PDSA Vet Nurse, Christopher Russell, said: “Henry was seriously ill when he was brought to see us. The ball was causing a blockage which, if not removed, would have eventually killed him. He had to undergo major surgery to remove the ball, but thankfully it went well and he’s since made a full recovery.”

Once removed, relieved owners Howard and Dawn recognised the ball as one of Henry’s they had last seen several weeks earlier while playing at the beach.

Thanks to kind people who leave PDSA a gift in their will, we’re able to give sick and injured pets like Henry the treatment they need.

For a limited time we are offering a free will-writing service to people over 50. There’s no obligation on you to include a gift in your will to PDSA, however it’s our hope that you will use the opportunity to show your love for pets by helping us to continue our work. You can make your will online, over the phone, or with the help of a local solicitor in selected areas.

Henry the dog with the ball he swallowed