Grass seed in the ventral abdomen of an 8 year old Groodle

By Dr Sarah Selzer, Soundiagnosis July 2025

History: A  8 year-old male neutered, Groodle was presented to a Melbourne veterinary clinic for a soft tissue and routine abdominal ultrasound to investigate a recurring and non-healing wound in the mid ventral abdomen right in the midline for the past 3 to 4 months. The wound was approximately 1cm in width with purulent discharge. The patient was clinically well otherwise.

Soundiagnosis abdominal ultrasound findings revealed:

·       A small hyperechoic leaf-like shaped structure approximately 0.65 x 0.18 cm in size in the subcutaneous tissue, just medial but deep to the superficial wound, but still just right of the abdominal midline consistent with a foreign body (with the shape of a grass seed) (See images 1, 2 and 3, and video 1)

·       Upper normal sized left medial iliac lymph nodes, preserving normal echogenicity and shape

·       Mildly hypoecheoic jejunal lymph nodes preserving normal size and shape.

Images 1: A small hyperechoic leaf-like shaped structure (migrated grass seed) in sagittal view as viewed in the subcutaneous tissue, just medial but deep to the superficial wound on the ventral abdomen (top aspect of the image as indicated by + and x markers). As viewed with a curvilinear probe.

Image 2: Same as image 1 but with a linear probe

Image 3:  Same as image 1 but in a transverse view with a linear probe

Video: A small hyperechoic leaf-like shaped structure (migrated grass seed) in sagittal view as viewed in the subcutaneous tissue (with a linear probe)

Diagnosis: Foreign material (a single grass seed) that had migrated deep to and to left of the superficial wound (the grass seeds suspected point of entry)

Comments and Outcome: The site of the wound was surgically cleaned and ultrasound guided retrieval of the grass seed was attempted under deep sedation, by following the draining tract of the wound. Unfortunately, even with ultrasound guidance, the foreign material could not be accessed and retrieved, likely due to the grass seed migrated further away from the draining tract. The patient was then taken to theatre where surgical removal of the grass seed was performed. Even during surgery, sterile ultrasound guidance was performed to help locate and surgically remove the very small grass seed. After successful removal of the deeply embedded migrating grass seed, the ultrasound was again used to confirm and ensure no further foreign material or grass seed was remaining. The patient has since recovered well with the previously non-healing wound now successfully healed.

Grass seeds are commonly found in dog’s fur and paws and can cause redness and swelling. However, grass seeds are very sharp and can enter through your pets ears, nose, mouth and fur often causing inflammation and infections locally. If noticed and removed quickly, infection and complications can be avoided. However, if left unnoticed grass seeds can migrate once they enter the body and depending on their entry point and location have the ability to migrate to the lungs, bladder, heart and other organs, causing serious harm and infection.

Common grass seed types in Eastern Australia include barley, spear and wild oats.

Clinical signs of grass seeds and depending on their point of entry in your pet may include; redness, swelling, sneezing, head tilt, head shaking, licking at the entry point, discharge, pawing at ears/nose, itching,  and in severe cases of migration or infection may include coughing, fever, reduced appetite, lethargy, weakness/difficulty urinating/neurological signs (if migrate and penetrate the spinal cord – rare cases)

Image 4: The grass seed removed at surgery

Prevention: If you pet has been running or had access to long grass, check their paws and ears soon after and brush their coat out. Inspect them for any grass seeds and remove those visualised.

Image 5: Patient in recovery.