Thanks to Cindy Tulpa, who sent some photos of foxtail (aka foxtail barley) from California.  These were taken in May, and I had uploaded them once but then had some issues with the site and just realized that these images went missing.

Sad to say that I saw large quantities of foxtail growing along the highways in Iowa this spring, and have also seen some here in Wisconsin.  I hope to get photographs to add to the collection soon.  Fortunately a lot of the roadside stands were mowed, but what’s still there is now drying and what dropped from the mowing may still pose risks.  I’m confident all of you are careful not to allow your dogs to play along roadsides in your normal routines, but be watchful when traveling!

See link to the right.  Many thanks to Kevin Noon for his help in providing the initial list and the technical detail!

If you have had any personal experience with any of these particular species and have helpful information on reducing the hazards, please post your information in the comments.  For example, folks living in areas where cheatgrass is a significant problem find it helpful to trim the hair between the pads and on the feet closely to give the awns less to cling to.  Cheatgrass and foxtail risk can also be reduced by careful inspection of the dog after s/he has been in the field to remove any awns in the coat or in the ears.

What’s most needed for the project right now are case history submissions.  Please either print off the case history for mailing with any support documents or records you are willing to send, or you can now submit your case history on the site.  I understand well how time consuming it can be to assemble a complete history, particularly for the dogs whose stories stretch over some period of time.  At this point I would rather have some/the basic information than have nothing so that we can get some better sense of the numbers, so PLEASE submit your information and encourage anyone you know with an affected dog to do the same.

Looks to the right of this post, and you should see the links to the case history forms.  Thanks so much in advance for your help!

I was in Dallas last weekend and noticed a stand of cheatgrass on the side of the road in front of the hotel where I was staying, so I grabbed some samples and took some photos which I have added to the gallery.  This closeup of the awn is especially interesting, I think , as it shows all the little barbs.

Just getting started.   For now, if you need more information, refer to http://essfta.org/Health_Research/grass_awn.htm

Please check back soon, I hope to have information posted here shortly.

See the top of the banner or the panel to the right for a link to the case history form.

Many thanks to Retriever News #mce_temp_url# for the article in their April, 2009 edition.

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