Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dalmatian dog with migrating foxtail causing leg wound and discharge
By Khanipour Machiani, Masoomeh et al.·Published in Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine·2025·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: An Unusual Growth of Migrating Foxtail Foreign Body in A Dalmatian Dog: A Case Report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old spayed female Dalmatian was brought to the vet after experiencing a two-day history of pus coming from a wound on her left thigh. Despite 30 days of antibiotic treatment, the wound didn't heal properly, and a bump developed at the site. Surgery wasn't an option, but when the bump was examined, it turned out to be a 30 cm foxtail (a type of grass) that had migrated through her body. After the foxtail was removed, the dog's condition improved significantly within just five days, with less pus and a happier demeanor.
People also search for: dog wound discharge · Dalmatian foreign body removal · foxtail grass in dogs
Abstract
A 6-year-old spayed female Dalmatian was referred following a two-day history of purulent discharge in the medial aspect of the left femur. The wound was irrigated and antibiotic treatment was continued for 30 days with a partial response. Due to the extension of the fistula into the pelvis and the long distance to the end part of the fistula, surgery did not seem feasible. By day 40, a bump appeared at the wound location. After the foreign body was removed from this bump, it was found to be a 30 cm foxtail that had grown along the fistula path. Within five days of removing the foreign body, marked improvement was noticed with a decrease in purulent discharge, and the dog’s attitude improved considerably. Numerous reports have documented plant-like foreign objects migrating within a dog’s body. In this particular case, the significant plant growth inside the dog’s body was noteworthy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.32598/ijvm.19.3.1005565