A dog has been left with a horrific injury and is 'very lucky' to be alive after it almost tore an artery on an old wooden post.

Owner Woody Woodhouse, from Barrow, was walking Margo, the five-year-old Doberman, alongside his other dog Stanley, on Thursday.

They were walking along the Coast Road between Rampside roundabout and Morecambe Bay Oysters near the gulley when the incident happened. 

Woody said: "Margo had just ran to chase a seagull and there was an old wooden post about an inch underwater that she was injured on. 

"She couldn't walk and I had my other dog with me, Stanley, but I had to carry her and take her to the vets. We're not exactly sure what the posts are - they're in a row poking out of the sand but I'm guessing they're landing for boats.

"They must have been there about 100 years and there's still a few left. She's had to go back four or five times to be flushed out - she keeps leaking. 

"Every time she sits down she sounds like a whoopie cushion."

The Mail: Margo was unable to sleep or lay down for the first five night

Woody's daughter Leah Rose said the main problem is because the wooden pole tore rather than cut in a clean line, it’s been difficult for vets to stitch neatly back together.

Lead said: "When Margo was treated the vet said she could see Margo’s femoral artery. There was just a thin layer of tissue protecting it so we’ve been very, very lucky.

"She still isn’t doing great. Her body is rejecting the stitches and air and bacteria has gotten into the wound which has made her legs and stomach swell a lot. 

"She was a very fit and active dog before this. She can finally lay down to sleep now but she spent the first five days stood up crying all day and night and not being able to lay down."

The Mail: Margo was described as a fit and healthy dog before the injury

 

Leah's mum and co-owner Joanne has had to be with her day and night. Leah added: "She said she doesn’t mind because Margo has been there for us when we’ve been sad or in pain, so it’s only right we do the same really.

"Furness vets in Dalton have been absolutely amazing, we couldn't be more grateful to them."

The wooden poles are not believed to bed the sea defences at Aldingham Beach which is further down. Leah and her parents said they wanted to warn other dog owners of the dangerous obstacles under the water.

The Mail has made inquiries to Westmorland and Furness Council.