As cruel as toe amputation sounds, it is considered a safe treatment for dogs when other alternatives fail. If your pet pooch has a fracture, deformity, or is suffering from a severe traumatic condition, dog toe amputations are recommended. It rids them of their agony and restores their quality of life.
A veterinarian may recommend a toe amputation when your dog:
- Has severe injuries because of an accident or another mishap
- Develops a tumour in that region, and painful cancer treatments are best avoided
- Suffers from a nail condition because of an autoimmune deficiency that results in fungal inflammations
- Has a painful corn growth under the toe
Larger breeds like Labradors, Great Danes, Greyhounds, and German Shepherds are prone to developing toe conditions because of their weight and size. Toe amputations are often necessitated in such cases.
Amputation Procedure
Your vet will first conduct extensive preoperative tests on your pet to confirm if amputation is the only way out. Once that is established, your most loyal companion is administered anesthesia, after which prepping the affected foot commences. Fur removal and sanitizing the area are part of the preparation.
After the toe is amputated, the wound is stitched up, and a soft padded bandage is wrapped around the foot. Procedures involving dog toe amputations do not necessarily involve an overnight hospital stay. On regaining consciousness, you can take your furry pal home the same day and, after a fortnight, return for the removal of the stitches.
Important Considerations
An amputation of your canine’s digit or toe is an invasive surgical procedure that demands a trained veterinary surgeon’s intervention. It involves cutting through muscle, skin, bone, and nerves to successfully remove the affected toe from the paw. Executing the amputation with finesse lessens the chances of:
- Massive hemorrhaging or immediate postoperative bleeding resulting in significant blood loss
- Developing infections
- Bursting of a blood vessel
- Recurrence of a cancerous cell growth
Post Operative Care
The vet invariably prescribes antibiotics or pain medications to facilitate the healing of the amputated toe. Effects of anesthesia could make your pet disoriented or groggy. Ideally, confine them to restricted spaces on the first night post-surgery and place their head in a cone. The latter prevents such pets from biting their stitches.
In the few weeks following the surgical procedure, ensure the surgery site is kept dry and clean. Administer the prescribed medication course to your four-legged companion and if you notice any swelling or discharge, immediately consult your vet. Direct supervision is necessary initially till your pet independently resumes its usual daily activities.
It may take your pet a little while to adjust to a missing toe. Keeping them out of harm’s way while they regain their balance and learn to walk again is advisable. Till you are certain, it can safely navigate stairs and other obstacles, block access wherever feasible.
Best Treatment Plan
After the toe amputation, your dog may:
- Redistribute its weight to maintain balance
- Slightly change its gait
- Alter its joint range of motion
- Place abnormal pressure on the muscles in the healthier regions of its body
The best treatment for toe amputations in dogs must aim at:
- Relieving muscle tension
- Lubricating affected joints
- Strengthening supporting muscles
- Maintaining healthy circulation in the affected limbs
A combination of stretching, passive motion techniques, joint mobilizations, exercise, and massage therapy gives the treatment plan an effective outcome.
Adopting an appropriate care routine can ensure your pet pooch with an amputated toe returns to leading an active life.
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