VETS have saved the life of a puppy which swallowed a plastic arrow almost as long as her own body.
Betty the three-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier downed the 10-inch long toy after sneaking into a playhouse at her home in Swanley.
The arrow became lodged halfway through her body from the oesophagus to the small intestine.
She was then rushed to PDSA PetAid hospital in Thamesmead where surgeons operated on her immediately.
Owner Emma Watson, aged 38, of Swanley, says she saw the terrier sneak into her nine-year-old daughter Lilly Jay's playhouse before coming out coughing and spluttering.
The puppy then calmed down - eating and drinking as normal for two days - before suddenly becoming quiet and nearly collapsing.
Betty was then rushed to Thamesmead where vet Chris Pollard operated on her to remove the toy.
He said: "The arrow was so long it virtually ran through Betty’s body but it also explained why she was so ill.
"The main concern was the length of the arrow and where it ended – in the small intestine. This could have penetrated the stomach wall and proved fatal.
"The best overall advice is prevention so pet owners should identify and eliminate any potential dangers in their homes.”
A relieved Mrs Watson said: "I simply can’t believe what Betty did. She was so small and the arrow so long. I’m amazed that it was physically possible for her to swallow it.
"She doesn’t appear to have learnt her lesson because as soon she got home she tried to eat the TV remote control, so we’re keeping a very close eye on her now to prevent anything like this from happening again.”
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