Clay's coined the term 'doggy bank'

X-rays show 35p worth of coins in Clay's stomach

One of the Capital's canine inhabitants has gone one step further than most to raise cash for charity - by collecting money in her stomach.

Clay, a 13-year-old spaniel, swallowed a total of eight coins and had to have them all removed by vets.

Although they joked about Clay's unique fundraising attempts after the incident, they said the consequences could have been fatal.

The dog was taken to PDSA's PetAid hospital in Gorgie after her owner, Agnes Stoddart, noticed she was having breathing problems. Vets arranged for her chest to be x-rayed and were shocked when the results showed a number of coins in her stomach.

Clay was taken straight into surgery, where eight coins were removed from her stomach - five 2p pieces, two 10p pieces and one 5p piece - making a grand total of 35p.

Ms Stoddart, from Stenhouse, who adopted Clay about five years ago, said: "She just hadn't been herself for a while, she was tired and lying about and was off her food a bit.

"They thought she had a lump at first so we thought it was cancer. So it was actually a relief when we found out what was really wrong.

"She's quite nosy and keen to investigate anything dropped on the floor, but we were shocked when PDSA told us she had been eating coins.

"They joked that she was a doggy bank. I think maybe she was just trying to do her bit for charity, so we made sure the coins were put in one of PDSA's collecting tins."

Despite her ordeal, Clay made a speedy recovery from the operation and was allowed home later the same day.

Ms Stoddart now knows to keep shiny objects out of Clay's reach.

Veterinary surgeon, Graeme Eckford, warned dog owners about potential hazards.

He said: "We did have a little joke that it looked like Clay had been fundraising for us. But an obstruction like this is very serious - it can easily be fatal if not picked up. Dogs use their mouth to explore objects as well as to eat, and sometimes the two functions get confused and they can swallow an object by mistake.

"That's why it's important to clear away any toys and items that could be swallowed.

"If your dog has eaten something they shouldn't, signs can include vomiting, abdominal pain, restlessness, dehydration and loss of appetite. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, speak to your vet immediately."