Page 1 of 1

Spaniels and.........Grass seed.

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 9:02 am
by Jenks
The dangers of grass seeds to hairy footed Spaniels are I'm sure known to most owners. But it has been brought to my mind now as I have to take my nephews Cocker 'Bailey' to the vets this evening to have his dressing changed following an operation to remove a grass seed deeply embedded between two toes. The job has fallen to me because his owner is on holiday. Sadly Bailey isn't insured and my nephew now faces a hefty bill. I have had several Spaniels over the years and it happened to one of mine (I wasn't aware of the problem then) I had visited my local pub with my two spaniels and after a little while I was approached by an attractive young lady (Spaniels do tend to attract the ladies) She said'' I hope you don't mind, but I'm a vet and I think your dog has a grass seed in his paw, would you like me to have a look.'' Sure enough she confirmed her initial observation. Next day I was at the Vet, the dog was kept in for the operation to remove the seed. And in the fullness of time I was presented with a huge bill. I carried that grass seed around in my wallet for years as a reminder. Moral of the story! keep the hair (feathers) on your Spaniels feet cut short. Especially between the toes. inspect daily this time of year. Oh! and insurance against Vet's bills, whilst expensive is a good idea.

http://www.marcthevet.com/2011/05/prepa ... ss-seed-2/

Apologies to Spaniel owners, but there maybe some who like me were unaware of the danger.

Jenks

Re: Spaniels and.........Grass seed.

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 3:16 pm
by dodgyrog
Thanks Jenks, I have a Cocker and will take your advice.

Re: Spaniels and.........Grass seed.

Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 8:51 am
by Dark Skies
Happened to my Cavachon. I wasn't aware the problem existed until I had cause to take him to the vet to investigate his persistent licking of his paw. Those barbed darts of grass work their way into the flesh and can keep on going up the leg if untreated - requiring major surgery.
Fortunately for my dog it had only worked itself up about a quarter of an inch into his paw and was removed with a pair of tubular tweezers - that cost £100 with antibiotics included.

The thing is, once the seed is in it's easy to miss it with the untrained eye as the wound closes over it. You have a look because the dog's been at his paw and all you see is a red spot - it probably isn't going to look infected and any soreness and moisture you'd probably put down to him not leaving it alone.

Re: Spaniels and.........Grass seed.

Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:23 am
by HH1
I never knew about this.... will have to keep an eye out with my Irish Terrier ....

Re: Spaniels and.........Grass seed.

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2016 6:56 am
by Ovenpaa
Another issue is ingesting grass seeds, a neighbour has just been hit with a GBP700ish bill to remove a seed from the gut of his 5 year old working Springer.