|
Barley grass - A risk to your Dog |
|
|
Barley grass and foxtail awns are abundant at this time of year and the effects on our dogs lead to many emergency trips to the vet. Long haired breed are particularly at risk. Barley grass awns stick to our pets coat, and the spiney awns pass easily through skin and are capable of invading your dogs body through the feet, eyes, mouth, anus, vulva, ears, nose, or any body surface.
Because of the orientation of the minute barbs on the bristles, the
awns can travel relatively quickly through the body. If they enter the
abdomen or chest cavities the effects can be potentially fatal. In the
eye the barbs cause ulcers, and in the ear they may rupture the ear
drum.
If you suspect your dog has a barley grass it is advised to seek
immediate veterinary attention due to the potential complications of
leaving a barley grass untreated. You vet will use special equipment to
remove the barley grass; sedation may be required to do this.
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories may be required to treat secondary
infection or inflammation.
Ways to prevent your dog from a barley grass foreign body include:
thoroughly examining your dog regularly, checking your dogs coat for
barley grass awns daily after access to barley grass, regular brushing
and trimming around to foot pads and ears, paying attention to your
dogs behavior, and investigating any excess licking or any abnormal
holes, swellings, secretions or draining tracts. Control of barley
grass with herbicides will help reduce the risk to your dog.
|
|
Online Shop
You can now shop at Pets N Vets online! Click here to enter
Practice Information
Select a practice below
Contact Us
Ph: 0800 PETS N VETS
(0800 738 768)
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
join our facebook page for weekly specials and events
Pets n Vets New Zealand
or search facebook/
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Our ClinicsOur clinics have surgical, x ray, dental and consultancy services,
specialized equipment includes ultrasound, ECG, endoscope, and
Artificial Insemination (AI) equipment...
Read More
|
