A miracle puppy has survived after swallowing a huge kitchen knife.

The 12-week-old Staffordshire bull terrier was saved by emergency surgery after gulping down the eight-inch blade.

Animal charity the PDSA has branded the x-ray "one of the most astonishing" ever seen after one of its vets managed to save little Macie during an operation.

The family pet only survived because she swallowed the knife's handle first, or else her organs would have been pierced.

Owner Irene Paisley, 46, from Glasgow, took Macie to PDSA's emergency out-of-hours vet service after the 12-week-old began choking on something.

She said: "Macie was making a squeaking sound. I thought she'd swallowed part of a toy. Then she was sick, but there was no sign of a toy and she started choking.

"I was terrified. Poor Macie was still choking and by the time we arrived at the vet's, there was blood coming out of her nose. The loss of our previous dog was still very raw and the thought of losing Macie was devastating."

The young puppy was admitted and x-rays immediately revealed the severity of the situation.

The knife handle had passed through Macie's stomach and into her intestines, while the tip of the blade was still in her gullet.

She underwent emergency surgery straight away to remove the knife while Ms Paisley, her partner and four children waited at home for news.

She added: "I couldn't believe it when they said Macie had swallowed a knife. I have no idea where she got hold of it.

"She could have pinched it out of the dishwasher, but no-one saw what happened. None of us could sleep that night as we knew Macie might not survive."

The operation was a success and the following morning Macie was transferred to the PDSA Pet Hospital to begin her recovery.

PDSA vet Emily Ronald said: "I've never seen an x-ray like Macie's. She was extremely lucky to survive. Her saving grace was that she swallowed the handle-end first.

"The blade-end would undoubtedly have pierced her organs, likely causing fatal injuries.

"The morning after surgery, she was bouncing all over the place as if nothing had happened. Macie has been back for frequent check-ups over the past two weeks and we're pleased she's recovering and healing well."