Meet Theo, a gorgeous 3-year-old Australian Shepherd that presented to the clinic with a lump on his chest that appeared suddenly.
The veterinarian, suspecting a grass seed had burrowed its way into the fatty tissue, determined that the first step was to take a fine needle aspirate and examine the sample under a microscope. This confirmed it was an abscess.
Given that the potential foreign body (grass seed) was deep in the tissue, Theo required a general anaesthetic and procedure to locate the cause of the abscess and remove the foreign body. A grass seed was eventually located, and Theo had a drain placed in the surgical site to allow drainage of any further fluid without putting tension on his sutures.
After his procedure, we monitored Theo and provided aftercare instructions. Fortunately, he recovered quickly and returned to his playful self within days.
To prevent similar issues, pet owners should check head to tail for any burs or grass seeds, monitor for excessive licking of a specific area and any redness or swelling
- Inspect Regularly: Check your pet’s paws, ears, and coat for seeds after outdoor play.
- Groom: Keep their coat trimmed to reduce seed attachment.
- Avoid: Steer clear of tall grass and foxtails during walks.
By staying vigilant, like Theo’s owner is committed to doing after every walk, you can help keep your pet safe and healthy. If you notice any unusual behaviour, contact our clinic for assistance.
