Toe Amputation: To Sew The Toes Or No?

[Guest Fogyreef]

Our six year old Whippet, Tristan, broke toe 3 (main weight bearing) on his front right paw. We gave it a year, but it healed badly and he's not adapting, including nail bed infections from bending the nail sideways while walking. It's time to take the toe.

The two surgery consultations so far have differing opinions on whether or not to sew the adjoining toes together by stitching the skin between the toes. One facility says it will increase stability and improve aesthetics, and the other says the skin will tear too easily and the toes need to spread out while running. He only runs for fun. He's about 10% bigger than normal and has slightly malformed paws that don't bend as much as they should. He's more up on his toes than his brother.

While I'm here, the "sew the toes" shop wants $2500 while the more "no sew" facility is suggesting $1200-1800.

What is your experience with regards to the operation, and price? Thanks.

[greysmom]

Price varies greatly with geographic location, and the facility being used. FWIW neither price seems out of line for a surgery done at an accredited hospital by a specialist in a moderately sized city. I would not expect to pay as much if my own, local vet were doing it.

 

I have actually never heard of sewing the toes together, for whatever reason, and have never heard of it being done on a greyhound here on GT. Others will chime in, I'm sure, if I am mistaken. IMO, the more important factor is to take enough of the toe that the stump is not beating against the ground when the dog is walking or running. This causes it's own problems and might need a second surgery to correct. Your boy's gait might complicate matters though, and I can see a surgeon suggesting adding more stability if that will help him mechanically with getting around.

[macoduck]

Ditto what greysmom says. With a toe amputation you don't want the stump to touch the ground. My girl had a weight bearing toe amped and vet took off 2 joints. That left one section of toe bone and it helped to keep the rest of the toes spaced apart.

 

With an active dog I can't see only stitching the skin.

 

Hopefully the medical folks here will chime in with more advice.

[Scooby172]

My first grey, "Kansas" had her toe removed due to suspected cancer (this was many years ago). The vet pulled the pad up over the amputation site to protect the area, nomination of sewing the toes together. Once it healed she had no difficulties running or playing. Good luck with your decision

Edited April 8, 2016 by Scooby172

[waialua]

Great advice from everyone. Nothing to add, but go with what is best for the dog to stabilize the foot. Hugs.

[Guest Fogyreef]

Thanks all. I had always considered a full amputation since it's the joint between bone 3 and the metacarpals, but will request their opinions on leaving bone 3 attached to learn those pros and cons, and the likelihood of bone 3 impacting the ground. I'm intrigued by the idea of pulling the pad up and will ask about that as well.

 

My primary concern is leaving toe 4, the index finger, out there all alone while Tristan's at full speed chasing Markie. Seems like another broken toe just waiting to happen.

I'll ask the sew-the-toes vet for a more detailed explanation of the procedure and reasoning behind it and let you know.

[NeylasMom]

Where are you located and which vets if you're willing to share? Are both orthopedic specialists?

[greysmom]

In my experience with 2 different toe amps, the single toe isn't at a much higher risk for breaking than before the surgery. Both my greys that have had it done are able to run and play full speed with absoutely no problems. It does take a good year afterward for the foot to fully adapt, and it does change shape significantly. It *might* make a difference if your boy does lure coursing or another performance sport, but just for playing, I have not seen any follow up issues at all.

[EllenEveBaz]

Only experience here is that some years ago I adopted a 9-yr-old grey who already had that same toe amputated on a rear foot for unknown reasons. He had SLO, which slowly got better with treatment. Adjoining toes were not stitched. He was an active dog who got his share of running around. In his four remaining years, he sometimes had a toe adjacent to the amputation site swell for a few weeks, which we treated with rest.