Erins broken toe won't heal

Susan Ian and Erin · Old Hand

Erins broken toe won't heal

Christine Young · GAL Newsletter Editor

Hi Susan

It seems a bit drastic to me, to amputate a whole leg for a broken toe. Poor Erin! Could it be that she's used to the padding and support that the bandage has given her, and now that it's off, she's using her foot normally?

I hope Erin gets better through the week. Let us know how she gets on.

Christine

UndercoverElephant · Master

Hi there,

Poor Erin! How long did she have the bandage on? When Blue's toe got broken, the bandage was on for four weeks, followed by a further two weeks on the lead. It does sound drastic amputating the whole leg, but I'm no vet. I do know that our vet said thet if the break is too near the end of the bone, then it can be tricky to get it to heal.

here's hoping she's OK, the poor love.

Lesley · Guru

You could try resting her absolutely - borrow an indoor kennel for when you are out or in bed and only take her into the garden on the lead to go to the loo.

That's our regime for Suzie with her pinned leg (achilles operation), and the indoor kennel is a great help - stops her from dancing around to welcome us etc.

Good luck - I'll keep my fingers crossed, and Suzie sends big hugs of sympathy to Erin.

FAJ · Enlightened One

Crivvens, it does indeed seem drastic to take off the whole leg for the sake of a broken toe. Word of caution - when Pearly hurt her tail and it wasn't healing after one week, a vet recommended amputation. I got a second opinion from another vet (same practice) who said it wasn't nearly as bad as he'd thought from the write-up in her notes. It took work and multiple vets visits, but she still has her tail. The second vet was excellent with her - I couldn't praise him enough and was very sorry when he left. Worth a second opinion for Erin........?

I agree with Lesley - loads and loads of rest and minimal exercise. Not easy at all, but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.

We have an indoor kennel that you are very, very welcome to borrow. If you want it, you could meet us tomorrow at the Beefeater in Livingstone cos we'll be through there at 2pm seeing Carole. If you want, let me know and we'd be happy to bring it - I've sent you our number via pm.

We're all rooting for her and hoping that she doesn't need to lose her leg. Lots of love from me, Steve, Harry and Pearly.

Fiona

Dave · Enlightened One

Hi Susan, it does sound a bit drastic to be losing a leg due to a broken toe! If I remember right it's the back leg thats affected but which toe is missing and which one is broken?..I remember reading once that the 2 middle toes were the 'load' bearing ones so if it's those 2 that are missing/broken it may explain the vets prognosis..

However I'd certainly be asking why the toes isn't healing, would seem on the face of it to be such a simple thing to mend, I'd also be asking for a second opinion from another vet if they do start talking amputation.

There's a couple of people on the forum associated with vets, I'm hoping one of them will post summit in the next few days (nudge nudge!)..

Susan Ian and Erin · Old Hand

Hi

It is the back right leg middle toe missing. It is the other middle toe that is broken. I have spoken to both vets for different opinions. The thing that seems to be causing the problem is that there is no sign of the toe being any better. She is still in a lot of pain and the toe is also more swollen than it ever was. The break is very near the end of her toe.

Like you all say I am extremely devastated that there is even discusion of amputation. Surely even if there is a balance problem it would still be better to have two toes missing than her whole leg.

Even with her leg all strapped up she can get in considerable discomfort just putting her weight on it. Vet is also puzzled why their is no improvement and cannot understand why their is no improvement and why her toe is more swollen than before.

It is really quite distressing for us to see Erin in so much pain. Hopefully things will maybe settle down but you cannot help feeling gloomy when you do not see her improve.

Susan

Teresa · Enlightened One

you must be devastated at this news - i'm sorry to hear about poor Erin.

i agree that amputation seems a very drastic solution, not that i know anything about veterinary medicine at all. can you get another opinion from a different surgery?

hugs to Erin from Dave and Daisy and nice thoughts to you from me

Chas · Old Hand

Just had a quick surf of the net and only found a couple of snippets of info that might help. It would seem that it would need at least 6 weeks of the toe being strapped up and no more than 15 minutes standing on it at a time - basically to eat and toilet. The rest of the time should be resting.

Not sure if this is of any help but if it was one of mine I would be asking a lot of questions of my vet (and another vet), especially if the toe seems worse rather than better.

Chas

Christine Young · GAL Newsletter Editor

Hi Susan

A second opinion from another vet practice is a very good idea for Erin's toe. You can also ask to be referred to either Glasgow or Edinburgh Vet Schools.

What a shame the poor girl is still in pain and her toe is still swollen. Maybe complete rest, as Lesley suggests, will help to ease the pain. I hope it gets better for her soon - keep us posted on how she is. Vegas sends a hug and a big wet kiss!

Christine

Lesley · Guru

Susan - how is Erin's toe now? Any improvement?

FAJ · Enlightened One

Hi, Susan - if you have a moment, please let us know how you are. Sending loads of hugs your way.

Fiona

Teresa · Enlightened One

so, six months later........any news?