Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors run the risk of coming into contact with sharp foreign bodies that can penetrate their skin. Pets with foreign bodies under the skin can suffer from pain and infection. For this reason, it’s important to visit your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs or symptoms of this common health issue.
Causes of Foreign Bodies Under the Skin
There are numerous types of plant materials and other foreign bodies that can become embedded in your pet’s skin. These include thorns, grass seeds, splinters, shards of glass, and other foreign materials.
Some of the most common sites of injury include the paws, ears, eyes, nose, and genital area. Foreign bodies can also become entangled in a pet’s coat and work themselves into the skin.
Symptoms of Foreign Bodies Under the Skin
Symptoms of foreign body penetration can vary, depending on the area of the body that’s affected. Please refer to the following list of common injury sites and related symptoms.
Ears
- Head shaking
- Pawing or scratching at the ears
- Redness and inflammation
- Discharge from the ears
- Foul odor from the ears
Eyes
- Redness and inflammation
- Discharge from the eyes
- Corneal ulcers
- Pawing at the eyes
Nose
- Nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Allergy-like symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
Paws
- Excessive licking or chewing of the paws
- Redness and inflammation
- Limping
Genitals
- Excessive licking of the affected area
- Swelling
- Redness
- Discharge
Skin and Coat
Please visit your veterinarian if your pet displays any of the above signs or symptoms of foreign bodies under the skin.
Diagnosis of Foreign Bodies Under the Skin
Your veterinarian will ask you a series of questions about the onset of your pet’s symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for signs of foreign bodies. Sedation may be required if your pet is in a lot of pain.
If growth is present, your veterinarian may recommend a tissue biopsy to rule out malignancy. Skin scrapings may also be taken to determine if your pet has an underlying infection. In addition, further diagnostic tests may be performed to assess your pet’s overall health.
Treatment of Foreign Bodies Under the Skin
If a foreign body is present, surgical removal will usually be required. Your veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics to treat infection, along with anti-inflammatories and analgesics to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Please follow your veterinarian’s treatment advice closely and administer all medications as instructed.
Prevention of Foreign Bodies Under the Skin
It’s important to keep your yard clean and well-tended to reduce the risk of your pet becoming injured. We also recommend grooming your pet regularly and monitoring them for signs of injury. Finally, please visit your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that a foreign body has become embedded in your pet’s skin.
