A dog suffering from a life-threatening infection and severe spinal pain, both thought to be caused by a grass seed under his skin, is back on his feet following urgent treatment thanks to our team at Kentdale.<\/p>\n
The three-year-old Labrador Spud’s health had taken a turn for the worse following a day\u2019s work, which quickly led to a fever, lethargy and difficulty getting up and moving about.<\/p>\n
Spud\u2019s rapidly deteriorating spinal condition is thought to have been caused by a grass seed that had burrowed into his body, while it also caused fluid to build around his lung.<\/p>\n
Grass seeds can cause life-threatening infections within the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. They can also migrate to the spine, causing severe pain and debilitation.<\/p>\n
Spud\u2019s urgent medical attention included a wide-bore chest drain which was placed in the right side of the thorax to allow drainage and washing out of the chest.<\/p>\n
After this, Spud started to improve and was continued on medication before being discharged just a couple of days later.<\/p>\n
Graham Hayes, Specialist in Small Animal Surgery here at Kentdale Referrals, carried out a procedure to clear Spud\u2019s chest from the pus.<\/p>\n
Sharon Murtagh, Hospital Director said: \u201cIt is possible that if a grass seed did cause all this, that it has disintegrated and come out with all the infected fluid in the abscess.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe good news is Spud made a full recovery just four weeks later. It does, however, act as a reminder for dog owners to act fast if they suspect their pet has a grass seed. The sooner it can be dealt with the better, ideally before the seed has been able to move around the body.\u201d<\/p>\n
Signs to look out for include head shaking, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, swelling in the neck and mouth and foot licking.<\/p>\n
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