A routine hike up Scotland’s highest mountain has turned into an extraordinary rescue mission after a black Labrador named Tokyo accidentally ate what vets believe was marijuana discarded along the way.
The five-year-old dog suddenly became weak, lost the use of her hind legs and drifted in and out of consciousness while descending Ben Nevis with her owner, Christina Bluhm. Unable to continue walking, volunteers from the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team had to carry Tokyo down the mountain on a stretcher before rushing them to a veterinary clinic. She made a full recovery the next day, ending one of the most bizarre mountain rescue missions the team had ever undertaken.
How a dog got to the highest mountain in Scotland
Tokyo was hiking Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak at 1,345 meters (4,413 feet), with her owner when the trip took a worrying turn. The five-year-old Labrador suddenly became disoriented, lost the use of her back legs and began drifting in and out of consciousness while landing. Unable to stand or continue walking, Tokyo was forced to stop on the mountainside while her owner called for emergency help.
What is the reason for the collapse of Tokyo?
Tokyo was taken to Crown Vets in Fort William, where vets concluded she was suffering from cannabis poisoning.
They believe she likely consumed discarded marijuana somewhere along the hiking trail, although the exact source cannot be confirmed.She received supportive treatment, including activated charcoal to reduce absorption of the poison, and made a full recovery within 24 hours.
How the rescue unfolded
Professional dog trainer Christina Bluhme contacted Lochaber Mountain Rescue after realizing Tokyo was too weak to make the landing.
Rescue volunteers went up to the dog’s location, carefully secured the 32-kilogram Labrador on a stretcher and carried her over the steep, rocky terrain to safety.After arriving at the base of the mountain, Tokyo was transferred to Crown Vets in Fort William for further treatment. Thanks to quick rescue and veterinary care, she was back on her feet the next day.
Why can cannabis be dangerous for dogs?
Dogs are much more sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, than humans.
Even a small amount can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as weakness, poor coordination, vomiting, excessive drooling, tremors, and difficulty standing or walking.Most dogs recover well with prompt veterinary treatment, but severe cases can become life-threatening if left untreated.
The owner urges hikers to leave no trace
After Tokyo returned home, Bluhme thanked Lochaber Mountain Rescue and the veterinary staff who helped save her dog. She also urged people heading abroad to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and avoid leaving anything that could harm animals.An unexpected Tokyo mountain adventure ended happily, but it also became one of the most extraordinary rescue stories the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team has ever dealt with.
