LUCKY ESCAPE FOR THE DOG WHO SWALLOWED HIS BALL...

Koda, an 11-month-old Collie crossbreed, suddenly started vomiting after the bouncy toy got stuck in his intestines.

Owner Tracy Cruickshank rushed him to an animal hospital when she realised her children's "power ball" had gone missing.

Simon Tollet, senior veterinary surgeon at the PDSA PetAid Hospital in Swansea, South Wales, said Koda was seriously ill when he was admitted.

He said: “This is the first time I have come across a power ball causing so much trouble.”

An x-ray revealed the ball was lodged in Koda’s intestines.

The x-ray of the ball inside pet dog Koda

The dog was operated on and has now recovered and been returned home to Ms Cruickshank and her children Chloe, five, and three-year-old Jay.

Ms Cruickshank said: “We do now keep an eye on what Koda is getting up to. We’re so pleased to have him back home, especially the children.

“They’ve really missed having their playmate, but now there are no power balls in sight.”

Mr Tollet warned fellow pet owners to put unsafe items out of animals’ reach, and to watch pets when playing with toys and balls.