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.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh the poor guy!  I have no great ideas for exercise while he's heeling.  I don't know if your yard is fenced, but if it is you might try hiding some treats in different places and then let him "hunt" for them.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[BG and Gavin]

Yes it is Jane and that is a great idea! Thanks!

[Christine]

Gavin is one handsome doodle! I can imagine how hard it is for him to not run.  My Nala lives for running, and even when she had her surgery for the neutering, I felt so bad.  But he will be running soon enough!  He looks like one tough dude :) Wishing him a speedy recovery.  

Christine & Nala

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Christine. No took off running this morning when DH had him outside to hook up. *Cringe*

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Sorry to hear about Gavin's mishap.   Hope he heals quickly.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Anne!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I hope Gavin heals quickly.  He is certainly rocking that split - such a handsome boy! 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I hope Gavin heals quickly.  He is certainly rocking that split - such a handsome boy! 

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Linda. The cover has been a lifesaver in keeping the splint dry in the deep snow.

[BG and Gavin]

Discussion updated 05/01

[Stacy]

Oh, Gavin! Take care of that toe. Surgery is no fun. And everyone likes all of your pretty toes!

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Stacy. We hope to keep them all in tact.