Pet of the month for December goes to this gorgeous girl Zelda!
Zelda came into the clinic to have a lump that was located on her neck looked at, due to the location of where the lump was, we recommended removing the lump as soon as possible and to get the lump sent off to the laboratory for testing.
Zelda came in for her surgery and while removing the lump the vet noticed that there was actually a grass seed that had penetrated into the skin and had caused the lump. We removed and flushed the wound.
Grass seeds are commonly found in a dog’s paws, ears and eyes. However, they can also be found in an animal’s mouth and genitals, or be inhaled or ingested. This can become very dangerous as these grass seeds can migrate all around the body and they are very small and can be difficult to find. The shape of grass seeds with their sharp tip means that they can very easily penetrate through your dog’s skin or lodge themselves in your pet’s ears or eyes. Most seeds have an awn that fans out and makes it almost impossible for the grass seed to go backwards. Grass seeds carry infection through the skin and into the body, and will generally cause a painful swelling which progresses to cause an abscess in your dog.
During grass seed seasons we would like you to keep in mind and watch out for:
- Keep your grass and weeds under control at home with regular maintenance
- Avoid long grass when on walks
- Keep long haired dogs groomed, especially around their feet and ears
- Inspect your dog all over after each walk, making sure you check in between and under all toes and underneath the ears.
We would like to say a big thank you to his owner for taking good care of her.