Another Update on Sparty's toe

Well, just returned from the vet, and Sparty is on another round of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. His foot is not better and he is so pitiful limping around with his "cone of shame". If this does not improve things, we will have to consider amputating his toe and having it biopsied. Unfortunately it could be cancer. Apparently doing a biopsy on the attached toe would be as bad as amputating so since it is not a weight baring toe it is better to go all the way. That will either tell us whether it is cancer or it will cure the infection. At almost 13 years old he has had more than his share of problems with his bad nails. My vet says it is most likely a genetic defect. Yet another reason to pay more and get a puppy from a reputable breeder. In spite of our bad fortune with Sparty he is still the most interesting and fun dog I have ever had (and I have known many) so I am not sorry but I won't do it again.

1/30th Another Sparty update. Unfortunately Sparty is not better. The toe is being removed on Wednesday and will be biopsied. Keep us in your positive thoughts! I am trying not to freak out but it is difficult right now. Sparty has been a trouper through this whole thing. The surgery sounds like it won't be easy but we have a great vet so wish us luck!

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Permalink Reply by Kristen Schaub on January 22, 2012 at 2:24pm

Our Pipin, broke his toe this week, in 3 pieces, so we are not able to pin it..He is in a cast, no infection, so we are lucky. If it doesn't heal, our vet also recommended amputating the toe..We are doing ok with the limping and cast so far... The tough part for us, is that he cannot get the cast wet,and he loves the snow... we are doing our best with wraps and plastic bags.. I might try a snowmobile boot if we need to- haha...

i sure hope you get some good news on your pups paw and nail!!

Kristen

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca on January 22, 2012 at 5:34pm

Hi Bev, hope spartys gettin better. those cones can be kinda big and awkward. When i got mine, i actually cut them down about 2 inches or 3 just until it was even with their nose. This allowed them to drink when they wanted. I would cut a couple 2 inch cuts and the cut around. They did't seem to mind it so much that way.

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Permalink Reply by steve smith on January 22, 2012 at 5:42pm

Still thinking about Sparty and hoping for the best. Dino reminded me of this....when Coco was around she had the "cone" on one time and she had to go to the bathroom. So she could not go out the doggie door head first so she backed through the door and made it. It was so funny.

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Permalink Reply by Lucy & Ricky (Wendy/Jack ) on January 22, 2012 at 6:40pm

That's one smart dog to realize she had to back through the door!

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Permalink Reply by Lois B. Allen on January 22, 2012 at 6:52pm

Good luck Sparty. I hope you get better. There is an old home remedy that might/might no help. That is to make an magnesium sulfate compress using epsom salts (2 C to gal water) and wrap around his foot off and on. An idea if you are getting desperate.

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Permalink Reply by Lois B. Allen on January 22, 2012 at 8:11pm

Beth, Here is a site that talks about magnesium sulfate and infections, probably boils. Thought it might help:

http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-boils.htm

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on January 22, 2012 at 9:13pm

Thanks everyone. Sparty is a tough old guy and has figured out how to drink, chew bones and terrorize Misty with the cone on. I am really glad we got him a soft cone, it is so much better. I will keep you posted.