A five-year-old black Labrador named Tokyo was rescued from Ben Nevis in Scotland after collapsing on the trail and losing consciousness, according to an account from the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and owner Christina Bluhmeová. Rescuers transported the 25-kilogram dog down the 1,345-meter mountain on a stretcher after veterinarians later determined she had likely ingested discarded marijuana.
The Ascent of Ben Nevis and Sudden Collapse
Christina Bluhmeová and her five-year-old Labrador, Tokyo, set out to climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain on the British Isles standing at 1,345 meters. Roughly halfway up the trail, the dog began acting strangely, losing her balance and staggering before she lost the ability to walk entirely. According to Bluhmeová, whose remarks were reported by the Associated Press, the incident felt like a “very desivá skúsenosť” as the animal began losing consciousness on the trail.
Fearing the worst for her pet, Bluhmeová faced a steep descent with a 25-kilogram dog she could not carry down alone. Her son placed a call for help, intersecting with members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team who were returning from a separate operation on the mountain.
Did you know? Dogs possess more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, according to the British veterinary service Vets Now, making them more sensitive to the effects of cannabis. Symptoms of ingestion often include loss of balance, disorientation, lethargy, and an inability to stand.
Stretcher Rescue and Veterinary Diagnosis
Members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team placed Tokyo onto a rescue stretcher and carried her down the steep mountain path while she remained largely unconscious. They transported the dog directly to veterinarians in Fort William.
Medical staff initially suspected a spinal injury before consulting a toxicological center. Following the consultation, veterinarians concluded that Tokyo had likely consumed discarded marijuana along the hiking route. Treatment involved administering activated charcoal, allowing the Labrador to make a full recovery by the following day.
Preventative Safety in Natural Spaces
Bluhmeová, a dog trainer with roughly 25 years of experience, expressed surprise at the incident and urged other pet owners to exercise caution in outdoor areas. According to statements shared after the rescue, she noted that toxic substances and discarded drugs can appear in unexpected natural locations.
Following the rescue, the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team confirmed that Tokyo returned to her usual active condition after the successful medical intervention and mountain evacuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Labrador to collapse on Ben Nevis?
According to veterinary conclusions and toxicological consultations reported by the Associated Press, the dog likely ingested discarded marijuana during the hike.
Who performed the rescue of the dog?
Members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team carried the 25-kilogram dog down Ben Nevis on a stretcher after the owner’s son called for assistance.
How long did it take for the dog to recover?
After receiving treatment that included active charcoal from veterinarians in Fort William, Tokyo fully recovered by the following day, according to statements from her owner.
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