The weed is indigenous to this area and can be a medical nightmare
Published in the May 14-27 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Foxtails are a small, barbed weed which can become a medical nightmare for many pets and their owners. They are indigenous to this area and especially common in the rural areas and in unlandscaped yards. They are most commonly a problem during the summer and fall months when the weeds have dried out and/or are being mowed down. They have been especially prevalent this year due to the dry weather conditions. Foxtails often become lodged in eyes, ears, feet, noses and just about anywhere else you can imagine.
• Eyes: In the eyes, foxtails typically become partially embedded in the pink tissue and often rub large abrasions on the corneal surface. Typically the foxtail is not visible (especially in cats) but the pet shows a lot of pain and squints in that eye. The foxtail is usually easily removed but may require additional treatment and can cause severe damage to the eye. Even if you are able to remove the foxtail, make sure that your veterinarian checks the eye for ulceration, which may require additional treatments.
• Ears: Dogs commonly get foxtails in their ears and will exhibit unrelenting shaking and rubbing of the affected ear. These foxtails are rarely visible with the naked eye and require an otoscopic exam. Some dogs require sedation to remove the foxtail since they are so painful. It is also important to have your veterinarian check for any signs of infection, which can show similar symptoms.
• Feet: Dogs roaming areas with foxtails often get them lodged between the toes. They usually leave behind a small tract or opening between the toes which will be a constant source of discomfort, licking and drainage. They often require sedation to remove and can travel long distances with their barbed ends.
• Nose: The always curious canine often ends up snorting up a foxtail. They will sneeze incessantly until the foxtail is removed, typically under sedation. If left untreated, they have been known to migrate into the airways and lungs, causing severe disease.
Foxtails have been known to lodge in some of the strangest places…just use your imagination! They can be very difficult to find, very costly and sometimes life-threatening. It is not uncommon for pets to require one or sometimes even multiple surgeries in the hunt for a wayward foxtail. We have seen foxtails travel several feet through a dog before being retrieved, sometimes weeks or months later.
Here are a few hints to help prevent a foxtail nightmare.
• If your dog has access to foxtails or is walked in an area with foxtails, always check him/her daily for signs of lingering foxtails in their coat.
• If your pet has long hair and foxtail access, trim the hair during foxtail season to minimize foxtail adhesion and make it easier to spot foxtails in the coat.
• If your pets tends to get foxtails in their feet, have them wear booties while out on walks in foxtail regions.
• If you observe any open tracts in your pet’s feet, head shaking, squinty eyes or other suspicious lesions, contact your veterinarian.
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay received her undergraduate degrees in biology, biochemistry and Spanish from the College of Notre Dame, Belmont. She graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children, running, cycling and plans to return to her equestrian pastime in the near future.
