Gavin Broke His Toe

[BG and Gavin]

UPDATE 05/01

Well three weeks and two broken splints later. The vet decided not to splint again. The bone is not mending and despite our fastidious care, moisture managed to make it’s way in. The moisture was causing issues between the pads (no open sores, just yeasty). He is not in pain and seems to be walking okay (mostly). They shaved between his toes and we are keeping things dry. A couple of other scabby spots on the leg make him want to lick, but we are watching that too. We have been supporting the foot with a sock and a boot for walks, which are few due to the frigid temps this week. Roll the ball, the shell game and long conversations are part of the daily routine as well as brushing and massages. The vet said amputation will be his last option. He is hopeful that Gavin will just manage with it. 

Not sure how he did it, perhaps playing in the snow or he knocked it on the step coming into the house, but Gavin broke his toe. It is the outermost toe on the back leg and not a weight bearing toe; which is good. He is also handling his splint like a true champ and in typical fashion has been very stoic despite what I have read about the pain this type of injury causes. In fact he did not even flinch during the entire vet exam. The vet says it is a displaced fracture (clearly visible in the x-ray). Fingers crossed that it mends okay or else it will have to be removed. The vet says that would not be a big deal (although I would like to avoid that!). He is on a low dose of NSAID and an antibiotic. 

Any feedback on recovery for this type of injury would be appreciated. He is walking great with the splint. We keep him on leash to potty, but he needs a fair bit or walking in order to produce (if you catch my drift). Our current strategy is spouse 1 walks him til her produces and then calls spouse 2 for a ride back. However Gavin is dying to break free and run. I will ask more questions next week when the splint is re-checked but I think it has to be on about six weeks, which will be extremely tough for such an active dog who runs like crazy and walks at least an hour per day.

Check out his ginger bread man splint cover.

[Stella]

Is there a canine rehab clinic, or a vet clinic near you with Laser??  It might be worth a try, laser basically stimulates healing, mostly soft tissues but there is some evidence for bone healing too through increased circulation to the area. 

[BG and Gavin]

Actually my vet clinic offers this service, but he did not mention this as a course of action.

[Stella]

Might be worth asking them??

[Stella]

Is he off the NSAIDs?  There is evidence that they delay healing - bones and soft tissues. You could ask your vet to switch him to a straight up painkiller if he is still taking them. 

[BG and Gavin]

Yes I did not continue the NSAIDs for the whole course as I did not find him to be in pain. Good information though Stella.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Not all of us can wear gingerbread man stockings and look that good. I hope he heals soon.

[BG and Gavin]

Oh so true lol. Thanks Amy.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Love the flashy socks!