Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! I'd pretty well decided to forego the surgery for now, but this morning Daisy dislocated the same toe again! Just doing some mild running around the living room, but there was enough "cornering" to pop it out. She came running to me for comfort, and there it was - sticking out to the side again. Dang! I just sorta stroked her paw and it slipped back into place. It's worrying that it seems to pop in and out so easily. The ligaments must really be stretched or truly torn. It's easy enough for me to slip it back into place, but what if it happens while I'm gone for the day? She sits there in pain for how long? I think moving around would reduce it again, just as it seemed to on the drive home from the vet on Saturday, but how long till she moved enough to do the deed? Now I'm leaning towards the amputation again...
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! Ouch! I guess a long talk with the vet will be in order, I'm sure he can help you decide what is best. You certainly can't be worrying about it every time you have to leave her.
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! After consulting with two other vets, one a Board Certified Orthopedic surgeon and the other with lengthy experience in orthopedics, both against the amputation, I've decided to go with just observation for another 4-6 weeks. One of the two said wrapping her foot would be pointless unless I was there to make sure it stayed wrapped - she'd have it unwrapped within 10 minutes of me leaving for the day! I feel a lot better, especially since my conversation with my regular vet was so unsatisfactory. She's never done this kind of surgery and couldn't explain to me the reasons for some of the steps. She just said, "That's what the surgery manual says to do!" The other vets explained the procedure and even said what parts they'd not do, since the part being amputated would be so small. My regular vet, with no experience in this surgery, wouldn't have been able to make that judgment. Daisy hasn't dislocated the toe since Sunday morning, and we've been out doing all the normal running around, nor has she been licking at the paw or in any way seeming to be uncomfortable. Both vets said the issue of possible arthritis in that small part of one toe 10 years from now is not really an issue worth worrying about. So, I'm going to hope Daisy Mae can keep her toes where they belong and we never have to deal with this again! ;D
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! I am a big fan of vet specialists - you get the one answer, and it's right the first time. Really glad to hear that you have had some experienced people look at it and help you to work out a way ahead
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! Glad you got some reassurance and answers hopefully it won't dislocate again
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! Sounds like you have had excellent advice that you have confidence in which is important. I hope that you both learn to live with the problem if it doesn't resolve itself soon
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! The specialist advice sounds very reassuring. Hope the toe stays in place.
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! Definitely sounds worthwhile seeing the specialists. I agree with the wrapping not lasting 10 mins! Fingers crossed for you both
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! Thanks, everyone, for all your good wishes! I look at this gangly, gawky, sweet puppy, and am so relieved I don't have to put her through anything like the amputation! If she gets arthritis in that toe when she's 10 - well, that's part of getting old (as I well know! :). Unless surgery is truly necessary for quality of life issues or health, I've grown less and less receptive to it... I had a heartbreaking experience many years ago with a dog and a second surgery to remove a spinal tumor re-growth, and vowed I'd never put an animal through that again. I read somewhere recently "better 6 months too soon than 6 months too late" and it really struck a chord, especially as I look at my 14 year odl Molly (who, by the way, is eating like there's no tomorrow! Cheap canned stuff, but she loves it and I'm gradually adding more and more high quality kibble. )
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! Glad to hear you feel better about the whole thing, Nancy. Hopefully the toe will heal up okay. Good news about Molly, too!
Re: Surgery for Daisy in Minnesota! Glad Molly is eating well. It might be cheap tinned but don't worry if shes loving it. ;D My friends rottweiller dislocated her toe a couple of years ago. I was asking her about it thinking about daisy because I know she didn't have it amputated. They've had no problems since and as you can imagine Bitsy is a big heavy dog and races around the field with Itsy. Her toe has been fine. Fingers crossed Daisy is the same. ;D
