What are the symptoms of grass awns (foxtails)?

Violent, sudden sneezing (awn in the nose). Head shaking, scratching at one ear (awn in the ear). Lameness with a lump or wound between the toes. Closed, watery eye (awn in the eye). Lumps or discharging wounds where the awn has migrated

Is Grass awns (foxtails) contagious?

Grass awns (foxtails) does not spread directly between animals.

Urgencias

Grass awns (foxtails)

The awns of dried grasses are shaped like a harpoon: they only move in one direction. They lodge in the skin, ears, eyes, nose or between the toes and migrate deeper into the body. A typical summer problem in the UK.

Moderate🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

URGENT if your pet suddenly sneezes non-stop, shakes its head persistently, closes one eye or is lame with a lump between the toes after a walk in the countryside.

Symptoms to watch for

• Violent, sudden sneezing (awn in the nose)
• Head shaking, scratching at one ear (awn in the ear)
• Lameness with a lump or wound between the toes
• Closed, watery eye (awn in the eye)
• Lumps or discharging wounds where the awn has migrated

Causes

Awns from dried grasses that catch in the coat and, because of their harpoon shape, embed themselves and travel deeper into the body. Common in late spring and summer.

Diagnosis

Examination of the area. Sometimes the awn has already migrated and must be located with imaging or by exploring under sedation.

Treatment

Removal of the awn (sometimes requiring sedation or minor surgery if it has migrated). Treatment of the wound or infection. The sooner it is removed, the less damage it causes.

Prevention

Check your pet after walks in the countryside in spring and summer: ears, between the toes, armpits, groin. Avoid areas with long, dry grass. Trim the hair on the legs.

When should you see the vet?

URGENT if your pet suddenly sneezes non-stop, shakes its head persistently, closes one eye or is lame with a lump between the toes after a walk in the countryside.

Consult a vet 24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.