Beau and the Grass Seed

Earlier this month Beau the dog presented to the Veterinary Centre Oamaru with a sore eye. A few days prior he had been playing out in a grassy field and had face-planted into the mud. Since then both eyes were weepy but the left eyelids were also very swollen. Despite Beau’s owners’ best efforts wiping the eyes a few times a day with plain lukewarm water the left eye was not improving.

On presentation to the clinic, Beau’s left eye was very sore and the eyelids were still swollen so it was decided he would be sedated to allow a thorough examination of his eye. Dogs and cats have a third eyelid, called the nictitating membrane which pathology can hide behind. A large barley grass seed was found wedged in behind the third eyelid and the eye causing inflammation and scratching the top surface of the eye. This had led to a corneal ulcer which was caught early enough to treat medically. With the seed removed and the eye treated, Beau was back to tip top shape and ready to continue enjoying summer.

Beau’s case is a timely reminder to us all to be vigilant during the grass seed season. After taking your dogs out, a quick once over to check and remove any grass seeds. These seeds have been known to travel within the body so speedy removal is important. Although, if eyes are involved checking with your vet is a good first approach.