jamngrey Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 (edited) When Cassie was retired(21 months old) it was due to a dislocated back toe(and the fact she would rather play than run ). Took her to groups specialist. He said due to it being a weight bearing toe he would prefer to not amputate. Well she did fine on it for quite a several years tho it made her "flat footed". She developed a corn on the toe and we were hulling it and keep a therapaw for walks on. Fast forward to now.....She hardly will even walk on the foot due to the corn and probably hops on 3 legs 75% of the time the other 25% she limps. My question is: She is 8yrs old and has no medical issues. Would you consider amputation or would I just be putting her thru pain for no real benefit? Edited August 3, 2009 by jamngrey Quote Cassie: Pikes Clara Bell Swoop: My Man Swoop BRIDGE ANGELS Psi:WD'S Aleford 3/17/00-4/25/10 Snowman: Gable Snowman 1/9/96-2/14/08 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RocketDog Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 If she won't use the leg because her toe hurts her, I'd have it amputated. I have seen plenty of greys who have lost a middle toe and don't miss it at all. Taking off a toe isn't nearly as drastic as removing a limb, and if it means she can live pain-free afterwards I think it is worth it. We'll be getting one of Rocket's toes taken off this fall, due to repeated dislocations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inugrey Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 One of our fosters had a dislocated weight baring toe. We amputated while she was in foster care because it was giving her such fits we're now at least two years out from her surgery and she doesn't miss it. Quote Colleen with Covey (Admirals Cove) and Rally (greyhound puppy)Missing my beloved boy INU (CJ Whistlindixie) my sweetest princess SALEM (CJ Little Dixie) and my baby girl ZOE (LR's Tara) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 I'd leave the toe at her age.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmswartzfager Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Carrie had a weight-bearing toe amputated at age 8 - she didn't miss it. Quote Deanna with galgo Willow, greyhound Finn, and DH BrianRemembering Marcus (11/16/93 - 11/16/05), Tyler (2/3/01 - 11/6/06), Frazzle (7/2/94 - 7/23/07), Carrie (5/8/96 - 2/24/09), Blitz (3/28/97 - 6/10/11), Symbra (12/30/02 - 7/16/13), Scarlett (10/10/02 - 08/31/13), Wren (5/25/01 - 5/19/14), Rooster (3/7/07 - 8/28/18), Q (2008 - 8/31/19), and Momma Mia (2002 - 12/9/19). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 If you can't resolve the corn, take the toe off. It's hurting her. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 probably hops on 3 legs 75% of the time the other 25% she limps... and has no medical issues. Geez, Wen... given her age and prior activity level (I know your girl LOVES to do zoomies!), I'd go with the toe amputation. Sending prayers to your girlie. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryJane Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 It's a tough call ... My personal preference is to try and not have surgery if at all possible for situations that are "not required". You can always go and have the surgery later but, you cannot take it back once done. As an alternative, you may be able to have a better designed bootie made with extra cushioning that may help. While the surgery does not sound drastic, sometimes bad things happen when we least expect it and most people don't hear the vet when they describe the "possible things that can go wrong". I would suggest speaking to the vet again and asking him for the possible repercussions. As another note, has the leg been x-rayed. There could be some other issue that is being overlooked because of the "known issue" of the corn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 On the one hand... Dude broke a rear weight-bearing toe that required amputation. He recovered absolutely fine from the surgery and the amp (though we had post-surgical splint problems that we totally my fault). He's now a year post-surgery and truly doesn't miss his toe at all - he runs, he jumps, he spins, he corners hard - no problems whatsoever. On the other... A very dear GT-er just lost her girl to anesthesia reaction hyperthermia after a toe amputation, and I would never want to have anyone go through that ordeal. On the other other hand...... Her limping and not using the leg correctly could cause problems down the road with spine and/or hip problems, not to mention that it probably hurts if she's limping. It's always a tough call. And at some point you'll have to stop listening to opinions and listen to your heart. Good Luck! greysmom Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 As we know too well, any surgical procedure on a pet or human involves risk. I like the advice of x-raying the rest of the leg an not just assuming her current problem is the toe. Barring anything else wrong with the leg, and knowing that I know about Sue loosing her Bessie, I would still go ahead and do it. Before I did, I would find out what the name of the supplement Dr. Couto has started giving ALL greyhounds before ALL surgical procedures to fight the bleeding issues so many greyhounds have. I can't remember the name, but I'm sure if you call the OSU Greyhound Wellness people, they can tell you. It's not a drug, I think it's an enzyme??? Darn me and my bad memory! Good luck with your decision. Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 If you can't resolve the corn, take the toe off. It's hurting her. Melody in our crew has chronic toe issues from a really bad dislocation from lure coursing...she still has her toe and I waiver from time to time on amputation. I think if she was hopping on it 75% of the time and limping the rest of the time, I'd amputate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamngrey Posted August 4, 2009 Author Share Posted August 4, 2009 thanks all. I will go with the xray then if it is the toe I am going to look into the amputation Quote Cassie: Pikes Clara Bell Swoop: My Man Swoop BRIDGE ANGELS Psi:WD'S Aleford 3/17/00-4/25/10 Snowman: Gable Snowman 1/9/96-2/14/08 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Before I did, I would find out what the name of the supplement Dr. Couto has started giving ALL greyhounds before ALL surgical procedures to fight the bleeding issues so many greyhounds have. I can't remember the name, but I'm sure if you call the OSU Greyhound Wellness people, they can tell you. It's not a drug, I think it's an enzyme??? Darn me and my bad memory! Good luck with your decision. Amicar. Quote ...............Chase (FTH Smooth Talker), Morgan (Cata), Reggie (Gable Caney), Rufus (Reward RJ). Fosters check in, but they don't check out. Forever loved -- Cosmo (System Br Mynoel), March 11, 2002 - October 8, 2009.Miss Cosmo was a lady. And a lady always knows when to leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sja5032 Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 I'd say think about if it was you (including the fact that dogs don't really care how they look or how many toes they have lol), if I was in a pain pretty much all the time I would much rather have it amputated. As of right now it is effecting her quality of life. I have seen dozens of greys who have weight bearing toes amped and partially amped and go on to race after, I think she would learn to get along just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hvacman250 Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 I have 2 with toes amps, one weight bearing, one non-weight bearing. One due to a cynovial cyst, one due to a bad dislocation/bone chip/ligament tear. Both were 6 when the had surgery. Recovery was a piece of cake. No splints, just make them take it easy. They walk on it the same day. I woudl amputate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cello Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 (edited) I would make sure that your vet has the antidote for malignant hypothermia on hand before allowing surgery to be done. The drug is called Dantrolene Sodium, and our vet had a difficult time obtaining this drug. We ended up getting it from a local hospital. Not all vets keep this on hand, so it is something everyone should ask about before allowing anesthesia for your Greyhound. P.S. The drug is marketed by Proctor and Gamble under the name Dantrium here in the USA. Edited August 4, 2009 by cello Quote Molly Weasley Carpenter-Caro - 6 Year Old Standard Poodle. Gizzy, Specky, Riley Roo & Lady - Our beloved Greyhounds waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 It's a tough call ... My personal preference is to try and not have surgery if at all possible for situations that are "not required". You can always go and have the surgery later but, you cannot take it back once done. As an alternative, you may be able to have a better designed bootie made with extra cushioning that may help. While the surgery does not sound drastic, sometimes bad things happen when we least expect it and most people don't hear the vet when they describe the "possible things that can go wrong". I would suggest speaking to the vet again and asking him for the possible repercussions. In addition to the GTer that greysmom mentioned, another GTer just lost her young dog very suddenly due to anesthesia during a dental. Surgery is surgery and there are serious risks. I wouldn't take them lightly and I would only consider the surgery if you've eliminated every other possibility. What treatments have you tried so far for the corn? Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinggreysslp Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 At the age of eight and a half, Larry had his toe amputated due to a bad dislocation. Larry loves walking and chasing rabbits in our yard. His toe pain no longer allowed him to do his favorite activites. We tried eight weeks of very limited activity and wrapping it but no improvement was seen. It is almost a year post toe removal and he does not miss the toe at all. I know it is a hard decision. This was only the second time in his life that larry had anesthesia (neutering). Good luck in your decision. Quote Cosmo (Fuzz Face Cosmos), Holmes (He's a Dream), Boomer (USS Baby Boomer), Ella and missing our angels Clay (Red Clay), Train (Nite Train), Trip (Bock's Teddy Bear),Larry (Bohemian Frigid) and Jimmy (Bohemian Raw) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 There are risks with any surgery, and my heart goes out to those who have unexpectedly lost their dogs during or after ordinary procedures. At the same time, I can't imagine living with so much pain that you don't want to put your foot down. I think fixing that is worth some risk. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreysAndMoreGreys Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 There are risks with any surgery, and my heart goes out to those who have unexpectedly lost their dogs during or after ordinary procedures. At the same time, I can't imagine living with so much pain that you don't want to put your foot down. I think fixing that is worth some risk. Ya what she said 8 is still young in a greyhound, well for the hounds I've had at least. It really is amazing how well these hounds bounce back from a toe amputation. I couldn't believe it until I went thru it with a racer. No amount of talk that anyone told me could make me believe until I saw it with my own eyes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevd Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 I'd leave the toe at her age.... Do you think 8 is old then? I'd amputate the toe if there are no other options left Quote Deerhounds Darcy, Duffy, Grace & Wellington, Mutts Sprout & Buddy, Lurchers Ned & Jake plus Ella the Westie + cats. Remembering Del, Jessie, Maddison, Flo, Sally, Stanley, Wallace, Radar, Mokka, Oki cat, Tetley, Poppy & Striker. Please visit our web store at http://www.dogsndubs.com for our own range of Greyhound related clothing for humans! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kydie Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 Same of issue here, I use MSM and glucomsine, and this helps some Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Liz_in_PA Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 I'm thinking about this for Dash as he has two badly swollen toes with what look like bone chips on the x-ray. Can I ask the elephant in the room question? How much does a toe amputation cost? So I can be prepared for the sticker shock... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 I'm thinking about this for Dash as he has two badly swollen toes with what look like bone chips on the x-ray. Can I ask the elephant in the room question? How much does a toe amputation cost? So I can be prepared for the sticker shock... It depends a LOT on where you live and whether you have a specialist do it or not. Pretty sure my estimate (with the sports orthopedist here in the DC metro area) was $1200. I could drive her to Dr. Radcliffe in WV and have him do it for less, but Dr. Canapp has a veterinary anesthesiologist that consults with him on his surgery cases and could actually be present for Neyla's toe amputation if we scheduled it accordingly so I'll be paying the big bucks to have him do it if we ever go through with it. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 It depends a LOT on where you live No kidding. Orthopedic guy here would do it for @ $400 IIRC. That would include all the bells and whistles for anaesthesia and any needed follow up care. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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