Scarlett’s Persistent Paw Problem: A Grass Seed Mystery

Scarlett, a lively beach-loving dog, suddenly began obsessively licking her paw. Concerned by her unusual behaviour, her owners brought her to Mount Maunganui, where Vet Dana carefully investigated the cause. What followed was a journey of persistence and expert care that uncovered an unexpected culprit.

When Scarlett first visited the clinic, her owners explained she had been licking one of her paws non-stop. After a thorough examination, Dana noticed swelling on one of Scarlett’s toes. With grass seeds being a common problem during beach season, especially for adventurous dogs like Scarlett, Dana suspected one might be embedded.

Initially, Dana explored the area but couldn’t locate anything definitive. The team decided on a plan to ensure Scarlett’s comfort: a couple of days of soaking, scrubbing, and pain relief to see if the swelling improved. Scarlett’s owners were diligent with the treatment plan, and when she returned two days later, the licking had stopped. However, the swelling on her toe persisted.

Determined to get to the bottom of the issue, Dana suggested sedating Scarlett to take a deeper look. Once under sedation, Dana lanced the swelling—and there it was! A grass seed emerged, neatly explaining Scarlett’s discomfort. Thanks to the team’s persistence and expertise, Scarlett quickly returned to her happy, beach-exploring self.

Before
After

Small Symptoms, Big Problems – We’re Here to Help

If your pet has unusual swelling or shows signs of discomfort, don’t wait. Grass seeds can cause hidden problems that require expert attention to resolve.