[LeslieMoran]

Michigan man says he's grateful dog chewed off toe

The Associated Press

A Michigan man says he's grateful his dog ate most of his toe while he was passed out drunk. Jerry Douthett of Rockford says Kiko's action helped uncover an undiagnosed diabetic condition and led to treatment that could save his life.

The Grand Rapids Press reported that the 48-year-old musician knew for a while something was wrong with his foot. He resisted seeking care until giving in to his nurse wife's pressure one day last month.

Before going for an appointment, Douthett says he went out drinking, then came home and passed out. When he awoke, the terrier was beside him in bed and lots of blood was where his toe used to be.

His wife rushed him to Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus, where doctors found a bone infection and amputated the rest of the toe.

[LeslieMoran]

Dog chews off drunk US man's toe in 'lifesaving move'

A dog chewed off its owner's toe while the Michigan man was passed out drunk in a move that could save his life.

Published: 1:03PM BST 04 Aug 2010



The family's pet is still living with them, but is under observation by authorities Photo: REUTERS

Jerry Douthett said he was grateful for his pet, Kiko's behaviour, as it had helped uncover an undiagnosed diabetic condition. The diagnosis led to treatment that could save Mr Douthett's life. The Grand Rapids Press reported that the 48-year-old musician knew for a while something was wrong with his foot.

He resisted seeking care for weeks, eventually giving in to his nurse wife's pressure one day last month. Before going for the appointment, Mr Douthett told the paper he went out drinking, then came home and passed out. When he awoke, the Jack Russell terrier was beside him in bed and lots of blood was where his toe used to be.

His wife rushed him to Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus, where doctors found a bone infection and amputated the rest of the toe. Doctors also realised that the US man had been suffering from undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, for which he is now receiving treatment. The family's pet is still living with them, but is under observation by authorities.