Broken toe leads to paw infection.

smileurinla

Hello, first post here and I could really use some help...

My year and half old boxer broke his toe running around in the backyard and we took him to the vet to get treatment. They put a splint and a warp on the foot and told us that he is to do nothing but rest. We followed the doctor orders and a week later we took him in for a check up and he ended up with a nasty infection. Apparently the type of bacteria was flesh eating and by the time it was under control our dog had lost 2 of his outer digital pads and his entire metacarsal pad. He still has his two front digital pads but one of those toes is broken. I don't know who's fault it was and at the moment I'm not too worried about it even though I'm furious. I just want to get my dogs health in order. What I do want to know is if the foot is able to heal with out 3 of his 5 pads (and all of his toes) will he be able to walk and run again? From what I've researched the two front toes are the major weight bearing toes. The vet told us that we are probably not going to lose the foot. He also told us he has never seen a dog with out pads nor has he seen a dog with this type of infection. Its really nasty and we are all worried. As of right now he goes in every day to get it cleaned and he receives a new bandage and is taking 3 antibiotics. It looks a lot better but there is still a long ways to go and I just want to know if I'm taking taking the proper action. I'm not to comfortable with the vet having no experience with dogs with no pads nor having ever seen an infection like this. Has anyone ever heard of anything like this? Have you seen or come across dogs missing pads?

I would like to note that we got a second opinion for the treatment and they agreed that the cleaning, antibiotics, and new bandages every day is the proper course of action. I'm hoping it will heal but weather the dog will have proper function of his hind limb I don't know. If you have any advice on what I should do with the dog and the vet please let me know. Thank you for the help.

tarib

Oh I feel for you so....we are just getting over a 2 1/2 month ordeal with our dog. He ended up loosing the two outside toes b/c a bandage (put on by a vet) was on to tight and circulation was lost. Luckily Riley knew himself the tape was to tight and took it off himself after only 2 days, or he might have lost his leg. I had been concerned that he would loose his foot, but our vet said that he could have lost his whole leg, b/c they usually would amputate the the leg otherwise they would chew on the wound of the remaining leg. I would say that antibiotics and keeping the wound healed will be the best that can be done. Good luck believe me I know the worry, and expense, that you are going through. As for the missing pads, I don't know, I thought my vet had said they would grow back, b/c Riley lost the pad in the center of his paw b/c of all he went through, and it seems to be coming back.

Bikhi Akhbar

i'm sorry for your babies and i hope they are doing better.

this thread made me think of a jack russell i see every time my husband gets his blood drawn for his weekly coumadin check.

he is in a fenced yard with a boston terrier. it wasn't until the 3rd week i realized that his right front leg is missing. he is definitely the dog in charge. he runs all over that yard chasing the BT. they play and have the best time.

i know your babies will get better, but if the worst happens it won't be the end of the world for your dog. just keep giving them the love they need.