Chestergates Veterinary Specialists performed a life saving endoscopy
Chester Dog Saved In Dramatic Peach Stone Operation At Local Animal Hospital
2 hours ago 
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A much‑loved family dog from Cheshire is lucky to be alive after swallowing a peach stone that stayed inside her stomach for three weeks – before specialists at a Chester animal hospital carried out an urgent procedure to save her life.
Lola, a 10‑year‑old dog owned by Chester local Libby Mattocks, had always been known for pinching the occasional snack. But when she nabbed a peach stone that slipped out of her owner’s nan’s hand, nobody realised the small accident could turn into a major medical emergency.
Libby explained: “My nan was eating a peach and Lola swooped in before she could pick the stone up. She didn’t realise it was dangerous, so she didn’t mention it until hours later. When I found out, I rushed straight to the vets at work to ask for advice.”
Lola was first seen at MiNightVet Chester, the out‑of‑hours emergency service run by CVS. Staff quickly scanned Lola’s stomach and confirmed the peach stone was still inside. They attempted to make Lola sick in the hope the stone would come up - but it was already too late. The stone had lodged in the stomach, and unfortunately it stubbornly refused to move.
With Lola still bright and showing no discomfort, Libby was told there was a slim chance - “about 50/50” - that the stone might pass naturally. But after three long weeks, it became clear things were getting worse.
“She started drooling, looking uncomfortable and going to the toilet less,” Libby said. “I just knew something wasn’t right. We rushed her back to MiNightVet and they confirmed the stone still hadn’t moved.”
That’s when Lola was urgently referred to CVS Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, a leading local animal hospital in Chester known for advanced care and complex procedures. There, specialist Andrea Petrelli, EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Medicine, led a team to diagnose and treat the risky blockage.
Andrea said: “Lola had begun vomiting and showing signs of stomach irritation. We performed blood tests to check she was safe for anaesthesia and carried out an abdominal ultrasound, which confirmed a foreign body still lodged in the stomach.”
Given Lola’s age - and an existing heart condition - the Chestergates team decided the safest approach was a gastroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure using a camera to locate and retrieve the object without the need for major surgery.
Andrea continued: “We created an individualised anaesthetic plan to make sure Lola’s heart condition was carefully managed. The endoscope allowed us to visualise the peach stone directly, and we were able to remove it successfully without the need for open surgery.”
Once the stone was pulled out, the team thoroughly examined Lola’s stomach and intestine to check for ulcers, inflammation, or further issues. After recovering smoothly and rapidly following the procedure, Lola was discharged and reunited with an overjoyed Libby the same day. Thanks to the teamwork of MiNightVet Chester and CVS Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, Lola is now safely back at home, fully recovered - and hopefully steering clear of fruit bowls.
The risks of leaving the stone in place were serious. If the stone had not been removed, it could have caused severe ulceration, obstruction, or even a perforation of the stomach - all of which can lead to life‑threatening complications requiring emergency surgery.
The frightening ordeal serves as an important warning to local pet owners. Fruit stones - including peaches, plums and apricots - can be extremely dangerous if swallowed.
Andrea concludes: “If you suspect your dog has eaten a fruit stone, contact a vet straight away. Don’t rely on the internet. Each case is different, and early intervention can prevent life‑threatening complications.”
With state-of-the-art facilities and employing some of Europe’s leading veterinary specialists, Chestergates now offers a wide range of specialist-led services including orthopaedics, cardiology, soft tissue surgery, anaesthesia and analgesia, dermatology, ophthalmology, oncology, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging and neurology and neurosurgery. For more information visit: www.chestergates.org.uk.
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