In the spring and throughout the summer, the spikelet poses a real threat to pets.
The dry flask clings to the skin and then travels through the animal’s body, causing numerous lesions in the process.
If it is not an emergency, however, you should not delay in consulting a veterinarian to have the spikelet removed.
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As soon as spring arrives, and throughout the summer, a danger threatens dogs and cats in particular: spikelets. This dry grass, which can penetrate the skin of animals, sometimes causes very high veterinary costs. They are found throughout France, and especially in tall grass, fields, meadows and farmland. But contrary to what you might think, cornflowers are not only abundant in the countryside, they are also found in the city.
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These dangers that await your dog in the spring
What is a spikelet?
These small dry ears are seeds from various grasses. Pointed and harpoon-shaped points stick to the skin of animals, but they also enter the body. This type of harpoon does not allow them to move backwards, so they only move forward in the body. The animal can do everything to remove them, but in reality it makes the problem worse. By “traveling”, the spikelet can cause serious damage to muscles and organs and cause serious after-effects. This dry grass can enter the dog’s body through various routes: the pads, ears and nostrils, eyes, but also the genitals.
What are the signs that should alert you?
The most common symptoms are repeated sneezing, sometimes accompanied by a nosebleed. When the spikelet sticks to the pads, we immediately notice lameness, redness, excessive licking. The animal may also have red, watery, swollen eyes and serous and purulent discharge may be noted. If the dog or cat shakes its head frantically or stands bent over, it is a sign that there is a spikelet in the ears. Finally, the spikelet can generate an abscess and cause fever. At the slightest sign, it is important to go to the vet immediately so that he can pull out the dry ear.
The dangers of a spikelet for the dog’s health
Spikelets can cause serious health problems. By entering through the mouth or nose, it attacks the respiratory tract and can cause damage to the lungs or bronchi. At eye level, it can pierce the cornea. If the spikelet gets stuck in the ears, it can inflame the ear canal and can even perforate the eardrum. Finally, in the rarest of cases, the ear can get stuck in the animal’s sex and even in the stomach. In this case, intervention is possible, but it may require a CT scan and result in very high veterinary costs.
Precautions to take against ax
It is important to carry out a regular inspection of the animal’s coat, but also to check the ears and eyes after each return from a walk. We also inspect the pads and tail. We take the opportunity to cut the knots at hair height. In addition, veterinarians advise keeping the dog on a leash when walking, especially when walking through fields. If you have a garden, consider throwing away clippings as ears of corn can end up in lawns.
