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Paw Problems

Discussion in 'General Health' started by crls_saavedra, Mar 16, 2010.

  1. crls_saavedra

    crls_saavedra Forums Novice

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    Mar 16, 2010
    Florida
    Puff, a double merle, and almost 7 years old, had developed a problem with her left front paw. She has a limp and x-rays reveal a slight deviation in the upper joint of her middle toe. Though not entirely convinced, the vets believe that because her two middle toes are joined, pretty severely, that one toe is pushing against the other, causing her pain. Because she is very stoic, she does not react to palpation, so the vets are sure that this is where the pain is. Her paws are normal and she is healthy in every other way. The vets only recommendation is to separate the toes and put in a splint to straighten out the toe. Has anyone experienced this with their shelties? I am concerned in that separating the toes may cause her more problems. Any recommendations? Thanks. Carlos
     
  2. danisgoat

    danisgoat Moderator

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    Hi Carlos!

    Welcome to the forum.

    I do not have any insight to give you, but just wanted to let you know that I read your thread, and I am thinking of you and Puff and hope that her problem gets fixed.

    Danielle
     
  3. OntarioSheltie

    OntarioSheltie Forums Celebrity

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    Apr 29, 2008
    Ontario, Canada
    I'm sorry that Puff is having problems with is paw. Both of my girls have pads that are joined but it hasn't caused any problems yet, apart from making it more difficult to groom.

    My only suggestion would be to get a second opinion if you have doubts. It doesn't sound like its a very difficult surgery but you'd have to be very careful about keeping his paw clean as it heals.

    Sorry I can't offer any more advice! I hope you're able to make Puff more comfortable.
     
  4. missjenneygirl

    missjenneygirl Forums Enthusiast

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    Aug 20, 2009
    connecticut
    If you live in Florida, they have one of the best vet schools at U of FL in Gainesville. You can get a second opinion there. Twenty years ago, I had a dog that developed a spindle cell sarcoma on the pad of her foot. It was radical surgery, actually took two operations. I only mention this because besides the importance of having the surgery, was the diligence it took to keep the foot clean and healing at a steady pace. It was a real commitment, and one I did happily. After two years cancer free, we bred her one more time, and then retired, she lived another 8 years.
     
  5. granite

    granite Forums Sage

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    Apr 6, 2008
    earth
    Sorry to hear that Puff is having problems with a paw.
     
  6. Justicemom

    Justicemom Forums Celebrity

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    Oct 2, 2009
    Minnesota
    I second this. Sounds like time for a second opinion from a othropedic specialist before such a big surgery is considered. Feet are hard to keep clean and heal.
     
  7. Sumac3890

    Sumac3890 Forums Sage

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    Fort Myers, Fl
    I can cast a second vote for the U of F vet clinic. We took our Katie up there and everyone was so very nice to us and helpful and believe me I was a basket case after they told me she had cancer. We would go back there. My vet also had her horse up there.
     
  8. Herd4fun

    Herd4fun Forums Enthusiast

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    Feb 26, 2010
    New York(Not the city)
    I vote U of Fl. Though I'm far away we take the trip to Cornell University when it becomes necessary. Vet Schools tend to be a harbor for the best of the best when it comes to vets.
     

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