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Diamonds are amongst the most expensive stones in the world.
I should know as I recently felt compelled to buy three
after witnessing Mt Etna erupting, the associated spectacular
lava flow and the emotional turmoil that it engenders.
Gravel stones by contrast can usually be bought by the
ton for an equivalent sum of money or so Dash's owner's
originally thought.
They were singularly unconcerned as they watched with amusement
whilst "Dash" tossed the gravel stones up into
the air catching them in his mouth. That is, until they
became aware that "Dash" turned his nose up at
his dinner and generally became very subdued............."Dash"
had been very aptly named!
At this point my advice was sought and it soon became very
clear to me that "Dash" had a bowel obstruction
caused by a stone.
"Dash's" digestive tract, like ours, is a very
strong muscular tube which endeavours to push all that we
consume from one end to the other. The muscular contraction
(peristalsis) acts in waves and considerable effort is exerted
to ensure that any food bolus moves generally in only one
direction.
The cause of discomfort to the patient results both from
the build up of gas behind the obstruction causing distension
of the bowel and the intensity of the muscle cramps as the
bowel struggles to propel the obstruction further down the
digestive tract.
The bruising caused by the stone is all too apparent at
the time of surgery when the obstruction is removed. Fortunately
the level of damage caused was entirely reversible and consequently,
the improvement in the general demeanour of the patient
is usually very dramatic. Overnight, "Dash" suddenly
starts acting like his namesake again!
His owners were very pleased to be reunited with him again
and are considering having the stone mounted on a piece
of jewellery because of it's value!
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