A routine hike up Scotland’s highest mountain turned into an extraordinary rescue operation when a black Labrador named Tokyo accidentally ate what veterinarians believe was marijuana left along the way. While descending Ben Nevis with his owner Christina Bluhme, the five-year-old dog suddenly became weak, lost the use of his back legs and became unconscious. Unable to continue walking, Tokyo had to be carried down the mountain on a stretcher by volunteers from the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team before being taken to the veterinary hospital. She made a full recovery the next day and ended one of the most unusual mountain rescue operations ever undertaken by the team.
How a dog reached great heights on Scotland’s highest mountain
Tokyo was hiking with her owner to Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak at 1,345 meters (4,413 ft), when their hike took a dangerous turn. The five-year-old Labrador suddenly became disoriented, lost the use of her back legs and began fainting while trying to get down. Unable to stand or walk, Tokyo had to wait on the hill while his owner called for emergency help.
What caused the fall of Tokyo?
Tokyo was taken to Crown Vets in Fort William, where veterinarians concluded that she was suffering from cannabis toxicity. They believe she may have consumed marijuana left somewhere along the hiking trail, although the exact source could not be confirmed.She received supportive treatment, including activated charcoal to limit absorption of the toxin, and made a full recovery within 24 hours.
How did the rescue happen?
Professional dog trainer Christina Bluhme contacted the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team after realizing that Tokyo was too weak to be taken down. Rescue volunteers climbed to the dog’s location, carefully secured the 32-kilogram Labrador to a stretcher and carried him down the steep, rocky terrain to safety.After reaching the foot of the mountain, Tokyo was taken to Crown Vets in Fort William for further treatment. Thanks to quick rescue and veterinary care, she was back on her feet the next day.
Why can cannabis be dangerous for dogs?
Dogs are more sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound present in cannabis, than humans. Even small amounts can affect their nervous system, causing symptoms such as weakness, poor coordination, vomiting, excessive salivation, tremors and difficulty standing or walking.Most dogs recover with prompt veterinary treatment, but severe cases can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Owner urges pedestrians not to leave any trace
After returning home from Tokyo, Bluhme thanked the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and veterinary staff who helped save her dog. He urged people going out to dispose of their garbage responsibly and avoid leaving anything that could harm animals.Tokyo’s unexpected mountain adventure ended happily, but it turned out to be one of the most unusual rescue stories ever handled by the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.