Just a reminder to watch out for foxtail and the like now that pheasant season is about in full swing. Nasty little seed heads that burrow like a porky quill. In longer haired dogs they can get enough leverage to penetrate the body and casuse all kinds of hell. I’ve heard up the nose too but thankfully that’s the “one” thing that hasnt happened to my dog yet. I’ve been dealing with this for years and know first hand how much trouble they can cause.
That is a good reminder. I’ve never had a problem with this, but my cousin has lost 2 dogs to this now. Both dogs picked the seeds up in what he refers to as “Canadian Rye Grass.” The seeds went up the dog’s nose and into the lungs. From there it got infected and eventually the lungs filled with fluid. I hear that the U of M has a surgery for this, but its something like $2500.
$2500 
Wow, I’ve never heard of such a thing. When you think about it, it’s pretty amazing what our dogs survive in spite of us.
Mike,
any suggestions on what we can do post hunt to help prevent problems ie flushing dogs nose with water, brushing coat etc?
Dave
I sunk well over $5K to save my dog at the U over this. I was very close to pulling the plug.
Quote:
Mike,
any suggestions on what we can do post hunt to help prevent problems ie flushing dogs nose with water, brushing coat etc?
Dave
Nothing you can do about nose but hope your dog blows it out right when it happens. I am picking them out of my goldens fur for days and up to a week after hunting. Brush your dog where they cannot reach thoroughly. Back, etc.
I find the rest by just petting my dog and feeling them out. They basically look like a grass seed head. Innocent looking but hidious!!!
So what are the dark brown almost black ones that are flat with two needle points sticking out of the main body? My dog had two in his eye while chasing pheasants. They cut his cornea which then got infected. The vet found em under his third eye lid.
Not sure. My dog cuts her cornea in at least one eye almost every time I hunt her. Happened Sat. I have eye ointment for it.
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