Guest Parsniptoast Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 It's been almost two months now and Reg is still struggling and limping with his left front outside toe (the 'turning toe) that was broken. The Vet has given us the option of amputation which, I admit, part of me wants and part of me doesn't. I am interested in anyone's opinion on this - is it a good idea given that Reg is likely to suffer with the broken toe for a very long time (lack of flexibility, stiffness, pain on running and making turns etc) Would amputation cause problems later in life? Or, as the Vet suggests, would it be just five days of discomfort before he's up and running around as right as rain? I'm hoping it's this one. I hate to see my boy lose a toe for no reason but if it means he can get running and playing with other dogs again then I'm all for it. I think I just want reassurance that I'm making the right decision so your comments are very welcome! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 I have no experience with this, but still sending good thoughts, love and prayers your way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sassy Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 While I have never had to deal with this personally, I've known several hounds who've had a toe amputated. Unless someone pointed it out or you happened to look closely at the paw, you'd have never known there was anything "different" about them. They were all healthy, happy, active dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HoustonGreys Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Both of DD's greys have had one toe amputated and even her drama king boy did excellent in his recovery. Both still love to do zoomies in the yard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tydyelady Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 I have a friend whose hound had his toe amputated, and he is at our dog park every week for our greyhound get together, and he runs with the best of them. Quote Mom to Toley (Astascocita Toley) DOB 1/12/09, and Bridge Angel Opie (Wine Sips Away) 3/14/03-12/29/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TheUnrulyHound Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Fiona is missing a toe, the only problem it causes her is that she gets a corn on the remaining "front center" toe that has to be hulled from time to time. She limps on that leg but I almost think it is habit or occasionally irritation from the corn. She runs just as fast as all the boys though!!!! It is funny to see her "limp" out the door to take off full speed across the yard to beat the boys to the fence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmdsmoxie Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 At this point I would take the toe off. Once it's gone it will never bother her again. The best racer I ever owned mangled a toe and it was taken off. In 6 weeks he was back racing and never missed a beat. Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrishGH Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 I agree take it off, I've got two that have had toes removed. No problems running. Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Only you can decide for your grey about general anesthesia vs broken toe. Dude had a toe amp and it's not been a problem at all. The hardest part was keeping him inactive for 2 weeks! His foot did change shape to accomodate the amp and we'll need to be watchful for arthritis in that foot. Otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. 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...
Jiffer Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 They deal incredibly well with amputated outside toes. I know several greys who have lost a toe and unless you're looking for it, you don't notice. I bet he'll feel tonnes better with the pesky toe gone. Quote Jennifer and Beamish (an unnamed Irish-born Racer) DOB: October 30, 2011 Forever and always missing my "Vowels", Icarus, Atlas, Orion, Uber, and Miss Echo, and Mojito. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Parsniptoast Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Thanks all.. you've set my mind at rest. I'll arrange for it to be gone asap so I can get my happy hound back :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 4greys4me Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 (edited) My poor baby, Felicity, had a front middle toe amputated 2 days ago. Although yesterday she rested comfortably, today she has been crying all day. She is on a pain patch and I have given her Tramadol for break through pain. However, she is still crying and now I don't know what to do as the vet is now closed. Please talk to your vet about this. Edited September 11, 2009 by 4greys4me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Amputate. I knew a sweet boy who was missing TWO toes on his right front foot. You'd never know he didn't have them...actually I didn't notice for a LONG time until I saw him laying down one day Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Miss Daytona is missing 2 toes on one of her rear feet and she doesn't miss them. I had a foster who also lost a toe and is doing just fine. He'll never miss it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goofydog Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Go ahead and amputate, your pup will thank you for it. Get Em was in and out of surgery in 8 minutes and other than wanting to mess with the stitches he never even noticed that he was a three toed sloth! I still can't get the groomers to give me a discount on nail trims tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marion Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 before going the amputation road, I would always try to get the broken one healed before. Breaks do heal with the time, but it's necessary to immobilize the toe sufficiently for about 3 weeks and later start moving with caution. Quote -------------------------------------------- Marion, Ivy & Soldi Perseverance is not a long race... it is many short races one after another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sheila Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 If it was me it would 'off with the toe'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 4greytful Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 After several bouts of popping his rear inside toe out of joint and trying for months to allow it to heal, we finally amputated. Have had not problems since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mike Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 while I do think it's important to try to see if the toe can heal your grey will be fine without it. The outside toes are not weight baring toes so that makes it easier. I have two greys missing toes and they do absolutely fine. Did your vet explain why it's not healing properly? It's been two months which is sufficient time to heal. If the toes bothering your grey I seriously doubt they will have pain for long. Tramadol will help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RocketDog Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 If it hurts him enough to cause constant limping, I'd take it off. We're dealing with a similar problem on our boy, and we're going to have to schedule the surgery soon. I've wrapped it every day for weeks and weeks and weeks and as soon as the wrapping comes off and he takes a step, BOINK! out the toe goes. Sucks, but amputating a toe is relatively minor compared to amputating a leg, and from everything I've read they are usually up and running pretty quickly afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kydie Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 It would be terrible to be in pain all the time, and missing a toe is not that bad, I would remove it Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby172 Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 Two toe amputations here. Bella had her rear back leg toe taken off, it was deformed and the nail was growing into the pad (done when she was a puppy when she was getting spayed). No difficulties with recovery but she also had major leg surgery when she was 12 weeks old, so it was old hat to her. My first grey Kansas has suspected cancer in a rear inner toe, amputated and no difficulties recovering or after. If the toe isn't healing and is causing constant pain I would amputate. Good luck Kansas was 7 when she had it done. Linda, Valor, Keeva and Bella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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