GOLF-mad dog Coco was feeling a little under par when his owners Mellisa and Rebecca James brought him to Severnside Vets, Lydney.

The poorly pooch had been vomiting up food and water for 24 hours and vet Laura Somers realised he needed urgent attention.

She noticed Coco loved fetching stray golf balls for his owner and decided to take a closer look.

Vet Mark Hinds said: "Laura was on the ball and having carefully examined Coco, decided to take an X-ray of his abdomen, just in case he had a blockage."

The X-ray showed five golf balls lodged in Coco's stomach, with one blocking the exit value of the stomach.

Mark added: "Unfortunately for Coco the balls were not going to be passed naturally and the only option was to operate and remove the balls.

"Coco successfully underwent surgery that evening and was well enough to return home the next day. He made a full recovery.

"Although this case has a happy ending, it is worth pointing out that it is not a good idea to let our pets play with small balls such as these – they can easily form an obstruction if swallowed, often with severe complications.

"Dogs could choke if the ball lodged in the throat. Toys such as dog frisbees might be a safer bet!"