King Dobby's $6000 emergency surgery exposes Victoria's pet care affordability crisis
King Dobby, a Chihuahua Dachshund cross, swallowed a bottle top and Croc sandal, requiring emergency surgery costing nearly $6000. The Melbourne family couldn't initially afford the life-threatening blockage treatment. Lort Smith Animal Hospital's hardship fund covered most costs, highlighting Victoria's pet care affordability crisis as 16 percent of owners skip vet visits due to expenses.
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Published 17 Oct 2026, 21:30 UTC · Updated 17 Oct 2026, 21:40 UTC
Summary by OZbrief Editorial. Original report: SMH. Editorial policy · Corrections
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