Grass seeds and lamenes
As spring arrives we start to see more problems associated with grass seeds getting into dogs coats, under the skin and even into the eyes and ears.
They have very sharp points and tiny backward facing barbs that make them very efficient at getting stuck into dog coats. So if you do see your dog knibbling and licking at their feet do check for grass seeds in the coat. And especially pay attention if they suddenly seem lame.
Getting them out before the grass seed can penetrate the skin can save a lot of problems. Because the next stage is one way penetration into the skin and migration into the tissue below. They continue moving into the body and are unable to reverse. At this stage they usually leave a small entry wound , about 2-3mm in diameter, that stays open and oozes a milky fluid.
The treatment to remove these deeply penetrating grass seeds is to anaesthetise or sedate the patient and surgically remove the grass seed. Rarely, if the grass seed is not found a more extensive “surgical hunt “for them may occur and involve a CT scan.
Hence early removal before they get through the skin is the best treatment, which involves being aware of the “grass seed “ problem and checking your pets coat for the first signs of grass seeds .
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Bentleigh Veterinary Clinic on 03 9557 9500.
Bentleigh Veterinary Clinic is a Family owned business in Centre Road, Bentleigh 3204. Our vets have been serving local pets an pet owners in Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Hampton, Hampton East, Moorabbin, Oakleigh South, Oakleigh, Huntingdale, Murrumbeena, Caulfied South, Caulfield, Elsternwick, Brighton, McKinnon, Ormond, Hughesdale, Glenhuntly for over 20 years
