17 hours ago
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A routine hike on Scotland's highest mountain turned into an extraordinary rescue mission after a black Labrador named Tokyo accidentally ate what veterinarians believe was discarded marijuana left along the trail.
The five-year-old dog suddenly became weak, lost the use of her hind legs and drifted in and out of consciousness while descending Ben Nevis with her owner, Christina Bluhme. 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 rushed to a veterinary clinic. She made a full recovery the next day, ending one of the most unusual mountain rescue missions the team has ever carried out.
How the dog got too high on Scotland's highest mountain
Tokyo was hiking Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak at 1,345 metres (4,413 feet), with her owner when the walk took an alarming turn. The five-year-old Labrador suddenly became disoriented, lost the use of her hind legs and began drifting in and out of consciousness during the descent. Unable to stand or continue walking, Tokyo had to stop on the mountainside while her owner called for emergency assistance.
What caused Tokyo to collapse?
Tokyo was taken to Crown Vets in Fort William, where veterinarians concluded she was suffering from cannabis toxicity.
They believe she most likely ingested discarded marijuana somewhere along the hiking trail, although the exact source could not be confirmed.She received supportive treatment, including activated charcoal to limit the absorption of the toxin, and recovered fully within 24 hours.
How the rescue unfolded
Professional dog trainer Christina Bluhme contacted the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team after realising Tokyo was too weak to make the descent.
Rescue volunteers climbed to the dog's location, carefully secured the 32-kilogram Labrador onto a stretcher and carried her over the steep, rocky terrain to safety.After reaching the base of the mountain, Tokyo was transported to Crown Vets in Fort William for further treatment. Thanks to the swift rescue and veterinary care, she was back on her feet the following day.
Why cannabis can be dangerous for dogs
Dogs are much more sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, than humans.
Even a small amount can affect their nervous system, causing symptoms such as weakness, poor coordination, vomiting, excessive drooling, tremors and difficulty standing or walking.Most dogs recover well with prompt veterinary treatment, but severe cases can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Owner urges hikers to leave no trace
After Tokyo returned home, Bluhme thanked the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and the veterinary staff who helped save her dog. She also urged people heading into the outdoors to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and avoid leaving behind anything that could harm animals.Tokyo's unexpected mountain adventure ended happily, but it also became one of the most unusual rescue stories ever handled by the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.
