Grass Awn Infection Dogs

An awn is a hairy like bristle or appendage from the ear or flower of barley rye or many other types of growing grass.

Grass awn infection dogs.

These dangers are usually called awn timothy foxtails cheat grass june grass downy brome or any other colloquial names but for your dog it is all trouble. When a grass awn is embedded the body responds with inflammation. The barbed seed heads of the foxtail plant can work their way into any part of your dog or cat from the nose to between the toes and inside the ears eyes and mouth they can even simply dig themselves directly into a patch of skin. Many dogs develop a lump where the grass awn is located.

Whether you call them awns mean seeds timothy foxtails cheat grass june grass downy brome or any other number of colloquial names to dogs they generally mean one thing and that s trouble. If grass awns are not removed in a timely fashion they will lead to the formation of painful abscesses which need regular drainage of fluids. Foxtail plants can be risky for your dog. Scary stuff and with upland bird hunting seasons in many states set to kick off in the next few weeks now is a good time to remind all dog owners about the very real dangers of grass awn infections.

Cells begin to wall off the area to contain a potential infection forming an abscess. It often can be hard to see the embedded awn especially if you have a dog with a lot of fur and your timing in getting your dog to a veterinarian is critical. Embedded grass awns can lead to serious infections and other complications. Grady has had multiple incidents of grass awn infection with treatment.

Fatalities and grass awns. An awn is a hairy or bristle like appendage growing from the ear or flower of barley rye and many types of widely growing grasses. The signs associated with grass seeds and awns depend upon the location of the grass seed. Oftentimes once grass seeds and awns penetrate the skin they will continue to migrate deeper into the pet s tissues.

The problem with grass awns is that they are difficult to be located. Grass awns can be inhaled swallowed and even penetrate the dog s skin. The essfta established a committee to investigate the grass awn issue in 2007. Since then she has become much more involved as she and dean have dealt with four more grass awn infection cases with their own dogs as well as learning of fellow trialers experiences.

The foxtail plant is a grass like weed. Grass awns are deadly dangerous for your dog. If a grass awn becomes embedded in your dog and an infection and abscesses develop your dog is at risk for dying if he receives no treatment.