Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Grass awn problems in dogs and cats and where they get stuck
By Brennan, K E & Ihrke, P J·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1983·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Grass awn migration in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 182 cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs and cats were treated for issues caused by grass awns, which are sharp plant seeds that can burrow into the skin or body. The most common problem was found in the ear canal, especially in breeds like Springer Spaniels and Golden Retrievers. Other areas affected included the paws, eyes, and nose. Treatment usually involved removing the grass awn, and most pets recovered well after the procedure. Pet owners should be aware of these risks, especially during grass season.
People also search for: dog ear problems grass awn · Golden Retriever grass awn treatment · cat eye issues grass seed
Abstract
A retrospective study of 182 cases of grass awn migration in dogs and cats seen during a 1-year period was performed. The 182 cases comprised 61% of all foreign body-related cases during that year. Compared with the total hospital population, there was an increased prevalence of grass awn problems in the Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Brittany Spaniel, and Airedale Terrier, but a decreased prevalence in German Shepherd Dogs, Miniature Poodles, and Dachshunds. The most common site of grass awn localization was the external ear canal, involving 51% of grass awn cases. Other common sites of grass awn localization included the interdigital webs, eye, nose, lumbar area, and thoracic cavity. Only 8 of the 182 animals were cats and 7 of the 8 had ocular involvement.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6345495/