Forum Topic

Grass  seed warning

One of my dogs could have lost the sight of her right eye when a grass seed, probably from Dukes Meadows, pierced her cornea so it's worth checking eyes and ears after every outing. I did not notice anything wrong until it was almost too late.However,  it was extracted skilfully by our vet.  She told me she had had many other cases where sight had been lost or hearing damaged so we have been lucky - relatively - but at a cost of just under 172 pounds!

Joy Skinner ● 1527d7 Comments

I never understand how some pet owners complain about the cost of vet bills. You do not hear that with parents' of human kids, so why animals?If you decide to bring an animal into your life, why bring up or even mention money? Very bizarre.

Elle Jones ● 1527d

You misunderstand me. I am not complaining about my vets bill - she deserved every penny.I included the price as an extra warning that there was a cost to a lack of vigilance when taking a dog for a walk at the moment from a hazard I had not been aware was there and in these hard times there are many people for whom it would be really difficult to find the necessary money. Luckily the Health Service is free for everyone

Joy Skinner ● 1527d

Hi Joy, I’m with you - it didn’t come across as a complaint - more a note of caution and the cost you mentioned just shows it’s not trivial to sort the problem out at the vets.

Andrew Jones ● 1527d

Also check the paws and between the toes.My dog has this and the seed entered between the toes and then made it's way up the leg.We were only alerted when we saw excessive licking.The vet had to put the dog to sleep and then try to flush the seed out with no guarantee of success.I make now apology for saying this cost £350 the first time and the same again the second when the first op wasn't successful.

Adrian Irving ● 1527d

I'm guessing, Elle, the free NHS has a bit to do with it.Just a guess.

David Lesniak ● 1526d

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/grass-seeds-and-dogs?amp

Philippa Bond ● 1526d

The NHS is free at the point of use but we all pay for it. Many owners have no idea of the costs incurred by veterinary practices in providing care, including some procedures which are provided at a loss. These are often offset by a big mark up on toys and food.We would no doubt be similarly shocked if we knew how much our own healthcare costs per procedure.It is probably a lot easier to get a veterinary appointment than a GP appointment and certainly you will not be waiting hours for access in an emergency as vets are under legal obligation to provide 24 hour care, if not in-house then via and OOH facility.Grass seeds are particularly bad this year because it has been so dry. They can be fatal if they travel to the brain or lungs so always take them seriously and check for ticks too.

Charlotte Kasner ● 1526d