A dog has been rescued from Ben Nevis after it is suspected to have fallen ill from eating discarded cannabis.

Christina Bluhme, a dog trainer from Esher in Surrey, was halfway up the UK’s highest mountain when her black Labrador Tokyo collapsed on the trail.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team came to their aid and stretchered Tokyo down from the 4,413ft (1,345m) peak to a local vet.

Bluhme said Tokyo had made a full recovery after the incident during a trip to Scotland last weekend. She said vets believe she ingested cannabis left on the trail.

The dog trainer said “I genuinely thought I was going to lose her”, after Tokyo lost the use of her legs and began drifting in and out of consciousness.

Bluhme said Tokyo remained unconscious for most of the journey down the mountain and praised the rescuers who brought her to safety.

She said: “Without the incredible Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, there is simply no way I could have got her safely off the mountain.

“Carrying a 25kg Labrador down Ben Nevis was impossible on my own.

“Their kindness, professionalism and calm support meant everything during one of the most frightening days I’ve ever experienced.”

Bluhme said she felt “incredibly lucky” that Tokyo had survived and thanked the rescue crew and vet team for their “compassion and dedication”.

“You were there when we needed you most,” she added.

“A little reminder to fellow dog owners – please be aware that discarded drugs and other toxic substances can sometimes be found even in the most beautiful outdoor places.

“It was something I never imagined we would encounter.”

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said it was pleased that Tokyo had made a full recovery and praised the local vet team in Fort William.

A spokesperson added: “It’s now suspected that Tokyo, a usually very fit and active working dog, had ingested something that made her critically unwell.

“Many thanks to Crown vets for their support, and to Tokyo’s owner for the update and photos.”