This amazing dude – the paw is too sore to support weight, so he is literally moving on two legs. Running on two legs. And if you didn’t know it, you might not even notice it. In the meantime, I am monitoring every motion and praying he doesn’t injure either of those two legs.
Keeping the wound clean and dry has been a battle. Making my boy wear the cone is heartbreaking, and I just need to get over that. We are flushing out the foot once a day. Thin baggies – the freezer burn protection ones – have been a Godsend. The go on loosely and stay on with some blue painter’s tape, at least long enough for him to go outside for his business. (We do not keep it on inside.) This has been helpful in this rainy, muddy weather we’re having. We’re waiting for the disposable rubber boots to arrive, but I’m getting the feeling that Tipper isn’t going to allow me to squeeze his sore foot into one.
We’re really taking it moment to moment this week. I’m grateful to be off work for a couple of weeks. Our 10-day blood work was good, at least. We go in for lung checkup and for chemo #4 next week. Praying that this foot – which looks infected this morning – does not get in the way of next week’s treatment.
Headed back to our vet this afternoon. At least they can flush it out. Hoping maybe an antibiotic could help – and not interfere with chemo. At least the tech there will be able to get his poor footsie tootsie flushed out and cleaned better than I can at home.
For now, we’re tromping out and about with a Baggie on feet and a prayer in our hearts!
*Sigh.
This dog impresses the heck out of me. He just wants treats, tennis balls, CONSTANT attention and petting (which I’m giving nearly round the clock – he deserves it!), and for me to stay away from that foot!
I love you, Tipper Doodle.
Dang I”m so sorry to hear about his foot problems, that is sooo tough. I’m curious if his paw pads are being more aggravated because of his new gait? I know that happens with giant breed Tripawds sometimes, maybe that’s what’s going on now?
A vet rehab therapist can tell you that, I highly recommend having an eval by one. And if you go the Tripawds Foundation will even pay for your first consult!
http://tripawds.org/2015/09/vet-rehab-reimbursement/
Also keep in mind that an immune booster like K9 Immunity will be of great benefit at a time like this. He’s already got a beat up immune system from the cancer and chemo, and now with antibiotics, it needs a lot of help to stay strong. We have lots of insight about K9 Immunity here:
http://nutrition.tripawds.com/2015/11/16/k9-immunity-coupon/
Please come visit us in the Forums for more insight and tips OK? We’re cheering you on and awaiting updates. Hugs to all of you.
He’s had allergy and other problems with this foot for years. It’s just exacerbated by recent circumstances, I think.
We got cleaned up and wrapped up and some oral antibiotics today and he’s feeling a lot more comfortable.
We’ll have a chat with our vet and oncologist moving forward about supplements.
Here is a suggestion that my vet did for me for when Bosch had an allergy problem we had to wrap his foot and it was raining/mud/snow. She took an empty iv bag that just had saline in it and cut the one end and poked holes to string guaze through it to tie. the other end (the end with the little hole to hang on iv bag was kept whole). I still have it. Doesn’t tear and you don’t have to squeeze the foot into those disposable boots
hope that helps
hugs
michelle & Angel Sassy
Thanks for the tip! Actually, that’s exactly what our Dr. did for us today. Works like a charm! We’ll save the disposable boots – probably keep them in the car in case we end up anywhere slippery. 🙂
Glad he’s feeling more comfortable. I know that lifts up your spirits too!
Interesting I for avout the IV Bootie Michelle!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!