Grass awn migration in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 182 cases

A retrospective study of 182 cases of grass awn migration in dogs and cats seen during a 1-year period was performed. The 182 cases comprised 61% of all foreign body-related cases during that year. Compared with the total hospital population, there was an increased prevalence of grass awn problems in the Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Brittany Spaniel, and Airedale Terrier, but a decreased prevalence in German Shepherd Dogs, Miniature Poodles, and Dachshunds. The most common site of grass awn localization was the external ear canal, involving 51% of grass awn cases. Other common sites of grass awn localization included the interdigital webs, eye, nose, lumbar area, and thoracic cavity. Only 8 of the 182 animals were cats and 7 of the 8 had ocular involvement.