To Amputate or Not...?

Lucretia · Old Hand

To Amputate or Not...?

max · Enlightened One

I do know dogs that are on life time medication and they live happly enough with it but I also know dogs that have had toes removed for similar problems and they are fine. They might look a bit odd with missing toes but it does not seem to bother them. It all depends I suppose that if she continues on medication will it damage organs etc and the strain off walking on the toe cause problems to hip, knee joints etc. I personaly would go for amputation and take away the toe that is causing her discomfort, she will adapt and it could save her problems in the future. I am not a expert and can only say these things on a personal level. At the end of the day it is what is best for Lizzie, you could also ask for a second opinion. hmm

Nora
All the very best to Lizzie what ever you decide.

diane · Old Hand

Judy was at the vets (again!!) just today as she could not bear any weight on her right foot at all this morning.
She is also currently on Rimadyl tablets daily as she is suffering from tendonitis in her left shoulder which will likely take a good few months to heal. So the sore foot is being held up which means the other sore leg is taking all the weight!! NIGHTMARE.
Vets diagnosis is unclear at the moment but is possibly a fractured toe or an old fracture that has taken a knock. Treatment is strict rest, out to the garden for a wee then back in. And carry on with anti-inflammatories. If still swollen and not weight bearing then x-rays on wednesday.

Anyway I can see why you are confused...My advice to you is that you need to look at the long term in this case. A life long painkiller often means that dogs need to be checked every 6 months which may or may not mean a blood test to ensure that no major organs are being effected by constant use. And for a dog like Lizzie of only 3 that could be at least another 10 years of painkillers and rest. Another issue to consider with 'just' long-term painkillers is that it masks the pain and so the dog runs around and plays just as normal and so makes the whole problem even worse. My worry is that this could happen in your case and so you would never actually have the toe 100% healed.
On the other hand there is an option to remove the toe, which means an operation, rest for a while and a few weeks (even if that) of painkillers. I think you should discuss it further with your vet and just explain that these points are a concerning you.
Hope I havent confused you more

Teresa · Enlightened One

my Daisy also has a dislocated toe which has never gone back to it's correct position. it doesn't seem to bother her except that the nail grows very long as the end of the toe is at right angles to her foot. she HATES us going anywhere near this toe so, cutting the nail is a real trauma.

A few months ago, the pad under the toe swelled and she was very reluctant to put weight on it. i took her to the vet (hoping that amputation would be discussed) and he gave her anti-inflammatories which solved the immediate problem. he seemed very against the amputation which I had thought would be the best option. however, I should have asked him why but I forgot to !!

If your girl seems to be in pain and the outlook is prolonged painkillers then, personally, I would return to the vet to ask about the options of amputation. until you have ALL the facts, fors and againsts, for each option, it's tricky to make a decision.

good luck and let us know what you decide, xx

feldandjack · Guru

I'm no vet, so could someone tell me what the problem with amputation is? I know about the dangers of an operation (knocking them out) but dogs I have known with missing toes seem to manage fine weirdface

I wouldn't want to be on pain killers for a long time, they do nasty things to your insides doh

It would be good to hear some advice from any vets out there. Hope things work out for Lizzie, she's such a young dog it would be a shame for her to have her life restricted by a duff toe. cry

midas · Master

damaged toes or knocked up toes to use a racing phrase are extremely common lots of racing greys have them ,the toe is often removed and the dog can return to racing ,the benefit of removing the toe means no more pain,no more potent painkillers which have the potential to cause internal problems due to long term use and a few weeks inconvenience where exercise is concerned is i think a small price to pay if you are going to have a happy pain free young dog.perhaps your vet could reccomend a good glucosimine-msm supplement as a complimentary painkiller anti inflammatory.we get a few missing toed greyhounds in the kennels from time to time and they've not shown any signs of discomfort or lameness,good luck with your decision, it's not easy trying to get it right!.

Rachel.

Valerie · Guru

I have read of lots of greys and lurchers with missing toes and no side effects. Like a human, walking with a damaged toe will put undue weight and strain on other parts of the leg,knee, spine etc., and may do longer terms damage to her gait. Lizzie is already taking evasive action in her walking as you described it.

I agree very much with avoiding some kind of life long drug regime, I have resisted it with Biscuit over his skin, and I'm glad I have resisted the vet.

Personally I would consider amputation, but would get a second opinion to ensure I have all of the facts regarding the Op, recovery regime, times etc. Lizzie is a young dog, and if healthy in other ways, you would hope for a quick recovery.

Best of luck to Lizzie

bobalina5050 · Graduate

Shane came to us with a missing toe, although i'm not sure why or when its been removed. He has no problems with it whatsoever and is completely normal. Both of my dogs have had anaesthetics for operations and have been fine, but I agree that you should have a chat with the vet just to be absolutely sure.