Burr tongue is technically called granular stomatitis or granulomatous glossitis. It is caused when a dog eats the burrs of the burdock plant (Arctium lappa L.). During the months of July and August, burdock plants bloom and produce a lot of burrs. They have a prickly head like that of a velcro that makes them easier to attach to the hair coat of dogs. The problem is common among long-haired dogs when they accidentally injure their tongue and mouth on burrs that are attached to their haircoat as they groom themselves. The burrs have hooked scales that can embed in the tongue and other parts of the mouth. The presence of a foreign body triggers a reaction such as the formation of small red bumps on the tongue, lips, gums, and sometimes at the base of the nose. There may also be bleeding from the mouth, difficulty eating and drinking, drooling, poor appetite, and pain. There may be bad breath as the bumps inside the mouth become infected. Dogs with burr tongue can undergo behavioral changes as they deal with the pain and discomfort. They may become aggressive when their owners try to take a closer look at their mouth.
Sudden changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior should be checked out by a veterinarian Frisco, TX. Click here to know more.
