12/05/2016
GRASS SEED INJURY
Grass seed injury is one of the most painful, expensive and common condition that a dog can suffer.
On close examination grass seeds resemble small arrowheads with tiny barbs. This enables them to attach onto the hair and burrow into the skin. Grass seeds are made from vegetable matter and this fact makes them invisible on x rays.They grow anywhere and harbour bacteria composed of enzymes that break down cellular matter!
The most common sites for the grass seed injury are the paws and ears although other places on the dog are at risk too. Once the seed begins to travel through the dog they do not break down and disintegrate. They remain complete and the general movement of the dog’s muscles and the air flowing through the nostril allows the grass seed to continue to burrow through soft tissue and organs. A seed in the ear can perforate the drum: in the paw, it can lacerate the tissue and move into the limb.
In the nose - grass seeds can migrate towards the chest cavity and cause Pleural empyema (pus in the pleural cavity). In the mouth they can work their way through the digestion tract. The outcome of this causes abscesses and infections that can lead to physical disruption and even death.
Paws the seeds generally get in between the toes and easily pe*****te the soft skin of the paw. They burrow deep into and sometimes right through the sensitive tissues of the paw.
Ears Grass seeds when they enter the ear cause problems deep down in the ear canal. The grass seed unidirectional shape and barbs allows the seed to travel from the hair around the ear to deep into the ear and they come to rest up against the delicate ear drum.
Signs to watch out for:-
• OF THE PAW Constant licking at the paw, pain and discomfort. Red swelling at entry site, infection and sudden lameness
• OF THE NOSE Sneezing, pawing at the nose and any bleeding from the nostril.
• OF THE EAR Shaking the head, tilting the head, paws at head and yelping
• OF THE EYE Squinting, tears, mucus discharge and paws at the affected eye. Raised 3rd eyelid. Keeping the eye closed or partially closed.
• OF THE MOUTH Gagging, retching, coughs, eating grass, neck stretching and excessive swallowing.
• OF ALL THE ABOVE The dog may also appear to be uncomfortable, become lethargic and will be in a lot of pain.
Seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible if you cannot remove the grass seed yourself or if the dog displays any of the above. Swift action is crucial since an embedded grass seed could result in serious infection or even death.
Check your dog after every walk.
