WEST KELOWNA, B.C. – Speargrass is a common sight all over the Okanagan but it often leads to health problems when it becomes embedded in a pet.
A West Kelowna dog owner found that out the hard way.
“She had speargrass on her paw and she was scratching her ear,” said Karen Fetterly, the owner of a 7-year-old Havenese named Kiki.
After Kiki’s health began to deteriorate, Fetterly brought the dog to the veterinarian.
Dr. Moshe Oz used a scope to locate shards of speargrass deep inside both ears.
If left untreated, speargrass can perforate the eardrum, according to Dr. Oz.
Speargrass can also become embedded in paws, eyes and under the fur.
Fetterly has pledged to cut down all speargrass on her acreage to ensure her pets are safe on their next run.