Foxtails Could Be Source of Pet's Illness
Equestrian News Release
Veterinarians Urge Owner Vigilance
SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The hot summer sun has turned California's tall grass fields into danger zones for pets. While the dried straw countryside looks like the perfect playground, anyone who has walked through one will tell you the adventure ends with a session of pulling dozens of arrow-like stickers out of your socks. Those are foxtails, and the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) warns that, for animals, they are more than just a nuisance.
Dogs seem to suffer most with these small seedpods because the foxtails become imbedded in their coats. Cats occasionally run into problems, but feline grooming routines generally eliminate the culprits. But all animals, including horses, are at risk of serious problems if they snort a foxtail into their nasal passages.
The CVMA recommends regular grooming and daily brushing of all pets that spend time outdoors. Without this, foxtails can become embedded in animals' coats, eventually piercing their skin, burrowing in and causing infections. The sharp end points and microscopic barbs of foxtails ensure travel in only one direction -- further inside the animal's body. Once inside, foxtail removal becomes a surgical procedure and must be done by a veterinarian; it generally requires anesthesia.
"At the first sign of a possible foxtail invasion, get your pet to your veterinarian immediately," stresses CVMA president Eric Weigand, DVM. "If not removed, a foxtail can cause a rupture of the ear drum, damage to the nose, and can travel throughout the body. Foxtails may look small, but they can cause a lot of damage."
Foxtails typically enter an animal's body through the nose, ears, or paws. An animal that is sneezing or has a nasal discharge may need to have its nose scoped to extract a foxtail. Similarly, pets showing ear sensitivity, including excessive tilting and shaking of their heads, need medical help. Your veterinarian has special instruments to access the ear canal.
You should see your veterinarian immediately if your pet is pawing at its eye or if the lid is swollen or closed. A foxtail lodged in the eye is not only painful, but it can cause serious injury to the cornea. If you suspect your pet has a foxtail in its eye, treat the incident as a medical emergency and see your veterinarian immediately.
Another area of particular vulnerability is the paw. The area in between the toes should be checked daily. If you can see a protruding foxtail, use blunt, sterile tweezers to remove it and immediately treat the area with an antiseptic. In the days to come, watch for signs of infection. If the foxtail will not come out because it has already penetrated the skin, take your pet to its veterinarian as soon as possible.
Longhaired dogs are at particular risk because their coats easily pick up and hide foxtails. As well as the daily once-over, owners might consider a summer trim to cut down on the danger. "If you keep your pet combed each day and know the warning signs of a foxtail problem, you should both have a good summer enjoying the outdoors," says Dr. Weigand. "Foxtails are a nuisance, but they can be stopped from doing serious harm."
The CVMA offers the following list of symptoms for pet owners to look out for in their animals:
-- Eye swollen shut or squinting with sticky discharge
-- Sneezing or discharge from the nose, which may be bloody
-- Repeated gagging or difficulty chewing or swallowing
-- Putrid odor from the mouth, ears, or nose
-- Head tilting, shaking, or scratching at the ears
-- Continuous licking or nipping at the paws or other area
-- Swelling
-- Abscesses
-- Open sores, which may be the remains of a burst abscess but can still have the foxtail inside
Any of the above signs tells you it is time to have your veterinarian look at your pet so together you can guard against further foxtail damage.
The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest state veterinary medical association in the United States, with more than 5,400 members. Founded in 1888, its mission is to serve its membership and community through innovative leadership and to improve animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner.
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