BOERNE, Texas — A Boerne toddler is recovering after emergency surgery to remove high-powered magnets from his stomach and intestines, and doctors say quick action likely saved his life.

Nineteen-month-old August Pollman was rushed to Christus Children’s Hospital in San Antonio after doctors discovered he had swallowed five small, colorful magnets — the type often marketed as stress-relief or sensory toys .

“They’re strong little magnets. They look like little candies,” said his mother, Mishka Pollman. “They look kind of like blueberries but a lot smaller.”

From stomach pain to emergency surgery

At first, Mishka thought August might just be dehydrated, so she gave him more water. But the toddler’s stomach pain continued, and by the next day, he was grabbing his stomach again.

“Two M

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