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Last Updated:

Jan 22, 2009

Paper Shredder Warning

     Who would think that a paper shredder would be a potential accident in the home for your pet? As we increase the use of paper shredders for security reasons, more accidents are happening and warnings are being circulated among veterinary journals. Following is a story graciously shared by the owner to help warn others of this danger. The story was featured on ABC news in an effort to help warn people as well.

WARNING: The following discussion contains graphic medical descriptions and several graphic photos.

      On January 27, 2007 a 7 month old labrador mix, Riley, presented at our clinic after having gotten his tongue stuck in a paper shredder that was being used in the home of the owner. The tongue had seven, 2 inch long full thickness cuts. After surgical repair of the tongue by Dr. Amy Phillips, steroids were administered to try and reduce the swelling of the tongue. Antibiotics were also started to control any possible infection. Riley is expected to make a full recovery. Riley's story is not an isolated incident. Not all of these stories have ended as well as Riley's did. Please keep this in mind if you have animals or small children in the home where a paper shredder is present. By unplugging the machine when not in use, and by keeping animals away from the shredder while it is on, incidents like this may be avoided. If an animal does become injured by a shredder, veterinary help should be sought immediately.  

The below images detail Riley's injury and the surgical repair.