Delicate operation to save a family's furry friend

Curiosity left this family's furry friend struggling to breath.

The seven-month-old pet pooch, named Mac, had been eating dinner last Saturday when he inhaled a sharp object.

"He was coughing, retching and trying to bring something up but all he could bring up were flecks of blood," veterinarian Dr Rob said to 9News .

The team at Carrar's Animal Emergency Service on the Gold Coast had to work quick.

But with the piece of metal so far down Mac's airway, surgical tubes weren't an option.

Instead, a creative colleague and some impressive foresight proved the ultimate combination.

Armed with magnets the team of three vets and three nurses carefully began the operation.

Moving the blockage, slowly but surely.

After two long hours they confirmed the surgery was a success.

What was thought to be a nail, turned out to be thumb tack.

Blissfully unaware of what had just unfolded, it wasn't long before the adventurous pup was again up and about.

A week on and young Mac has made a full recovery but his family knows it could have been a very different story.

They're urging other dog owners to be mindful of what's laying around the home.

"Keep everything away and make sure your dogs don't get anything lying around on the floor," Skye says.