Grass awn in the dog's eye: where to look and how to remove it
3-year-old Springer Spaniel that, after a countryside walk in June, has severe blepharospasm in the right eye, epiphora, third eyelid protrusion and is rubbing the eye. Fluorescein shows a superficial linear corneal ulcer.
What is the most appropriate next step?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Topical antibiotic and recheck in 5 days
The ulcer will not heal while the foreign body continues to rub the cornea. It must be looked for before treatment is prescribed.
B. Topical corticosteroid to reduce the blepharospasm
Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated with a corneal ulcer, and they do not address the cause.
C. Topical anaesthesia (and sedation if needed), examine the fornices and evert the third eyelid with forceps to inspect its bulbar surface; remove the awn and flush
Correct. Grass awns often hide behind the third eyelid or in the dorsal fornix. Once removed, the ulcer is treated as a superficial ulcer, which should heal within a few days.
D. Orbital ultrasound as the first test to locate the awn
It may help if retrobulbar migration is suspected, but direct examination of the ocular surface comes first, as that is where the awn usually is.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Acute unilateral eye pain in spring–summer in Spain = grass awn until proven otherwise. Always examine the posterior surface of the third eyelid and the fornices; vertical linear ulcers suggest a foreign body under the upper eyelid.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.