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Post by multiplicity on Jan 31, 2007 13:37:20 GMT -5
For some unknown reason I am just unlucky when the boys go to the groomers (and we have tried different ones)! For the second time in a year one of our hounds (Chevy this time) returned home from the groomers with a split web...but this time we are gonna try to let it heal without stitches...so far so good. *knock on wood* But the reason for this post is that I have noticed now (a few days after the grooming) Murphy has a nail that is detached from the nail-bed but still still attached to the skin. What do I do with that? He has been chewing at it and I do not know if I should just let him rip the 'old' nail out or just leave it flapping in the wind or bring him to the vet!? It doesn't appear to be infected but I will soak it when the hubby gets home from work (Murph can be a bit stubborn and it may take the 2 of us to soak his foot). Words of wisdom and wishes of luck would be appreciated!
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Post by Krisztina Mikkelsen on Jan 31, 2007 23:49:43 GMT -5
I have two different approaches to this, as it happened to me too, and have experience with it....so you can choose one of them which ever gives you comfort. So, my ten cents worth....
1. Always having 5-6 dogs in my entire life, I know for sure that every time you walk into a vet's office, you can count on that you may just as well pay his/her monthly mortgage payment. Just to get into the waiting room will cost you minimum 50 bucks. This is the fact, not anything against vets. The vet will remove the nail or maybe not, put the dog on antibiotic and will tell you what you already know - soke it in salt water. 175 dollars later, you go home.
2. If the nail and toe does not seem to be infected, you can just do what you already do right now, keep it clean, soke it several times a day in warm salty water, and wait until your grey looses or keeps the nail. If he looses the nail the new nail may or may not grow back, either way, it doesn't matter to the health and mobility to your grey. This procedure will cost you 2 bucks for salt. If in a week to ten days, the area of the nail or toe starts looking swollen, red, and appears to be infected, you can always revert to option 1 then.
Two of my greys - and one time, myself - went through this, and we recovered just fine without medical assistance.
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Post by Krisztina Mikkelsen on Jan 31, 2007 23:51:01 GMT -5
Sorry, I meant SOAK. Pardon my not using spell check. Oh, and you have to do something about your dog grooming service providers. It's insane that you get an injured dog back every time you go and see them.
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Post by multiplicity on Feb 1, 2007 9:19:28 GMT -5
I have two different approaches to this, as it happened to me too, and have experience with it....so you can choose one of them which ever gives you comfort. So, my ten cents worth.... 1. Always having 5-6 dogs in my entire life, I know for sure that every time you walk into a vet's office, you can count on that you may just as well pay his/her monthly mortgage payment. Just to get into the waiting room will cost you minimum 50 bucks. This is the fact, not anything against vets. The vet will remove the nail or maybe not, put the dog on antibiotic and will tell you what you already know - soke it in salt water. 175 dollars later, you go home. 2. If the nail and toe does not seem to be infected, you can just do what you already do right now, keep it clean, soke it several times a day in warm salty water, and wait until your grey looses or keeps the nail. If he looses the nail the new nail may or may not grow back, either way, it doesn't matter to the health and mobility to your grey. This procedure will cost you 2 bucks for salt. If in a week to ten days, the area of the nail or toe starts looking swollen, red, and appears to be infected, you can always revert to option 1 then. Two of my greys - and one time, myself - went through this, and we recovered just fine without medical assistance. Yup, I hear ya! I have 7 fur-kids (3 greys and 4 kitties) and I used to run to the vet at every whim but last year by the summer's end I spent over 5 thousand bucks of vet costs. So, I have been learning to handle the "minor" situations on my own! Chevy's web is healing nicely (knock on wood) and Murph does not seem to have any discomfort. Thanks for reassuring me that I am doing the right thing!
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Post by multiplicity on Feb 1, 2007 9:30:12 GMT -5
Sorry, I meant SOAK. Pardon my not using spell check. Oh, and you have to do something about your dog grooming service providers. It's insane that you get an injured dog back every time you go and see them. Don't I know it!!! Short story long: Last spring Greg dropped off our 3 boys at the groomers and just as he was walking in the door at home the phone rang with the groomer telling Greg to come and get Murph because he's bleeding and had to go to the vet. The groomer felt horrible and called the vet's inquiring about Murph many times. Murph had a split web and got some stitches. The groomer gave us 'free' grooming for the cost of the vet bill...that brings us up to last week. Last week was the last free grooming appointment. And Greg had to remind her that is was free. And Chevy came home with a split web (no phone call, just noticed blood on the floor when he walked). And Murph's toenail is off the bed/quick. And I won't be bring my boys there anymore.
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Post by Krisztina Mikkelsen on Feb 1, 2007 18:08:55 GMT -5
Have you tried using a Dremmel for doing their nails? I have been using it for years, and even when you knick your pup's nail, the Dremmel is so fast, it cauterize the bleeding right away. I used the dog nail clipper and always hurt them, while with the Dremmel I have never had an accident. Glad Murph is OK. His nail may grow back but if it doesn't - big deal. One of my two greys whom lost a nail managed to regrow it, but the other didn't. There is absolutely no difference in the quality of their lives....they play, run, have fun just as much as before with or without a nail.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2007 13:16:17 GMT -5
My sweet girl Honey has issues with her dew claws. Seems the darn things get hooked on her leash if it gets between her front legs. Snaps it off and leaves it dangling. This has happened at least 4 times now. When the leash gets that way now she will freeze. Stop. Dead. And lift her foot. Wish she did that before. To make a long story short, I waited about 2 days to decide what to do, if she started limping or it got very sore and tender. When I looked it was GONE. She had taken care of it all of the times. No blood, no wincing, whining, nothing. I'm sure it must hurt like hell but I guess it's instinct to them as to what to do. After all, who looked after the wild dogs? I really keep her leash short now, and pay superclose attention but they don't seem to be growing back anymore. Strange, but it's a comfort to know she won't keep doing it every month.
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Post by ontariogreys on Feb 4, 2007 11:41:50 GMT -5
Hopefully just injury related but wanted to add this just in case, because if so your dog could become debilitiated if not treated I would pay very close attention to the nail that comes in(is it growing normally) and other nails for seperation. and condition of the current nails Your dog may have an auto immune disease that appears to be somewhat common in greyhounds called Systemic Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO) also referred to as pemphigus, there is no cure, it has to be managed life long and if allowed to get worse become quite painful for the dog such that the dog cannot even walk, The following articles discusses treatment pictures and description to help diagnose( I don't recommend going the toe amputation as a means of diagnosing, It is common enough if the symptoms exist in greyhounds to treat as though it is without amputating) many vets here are unfamiliar with seeing this condition, an may not realized that is does occur quite often in greyounds, which suggests it could be genetic. Some articles on www.rr-oona.com/DLE/AI-SLO-eng.htmlnext includes good pictures of the nails www.greyhound-data.com/dir/404/Toenails_falling_of.pdfmore on treatment www.arizonaadoptagreyhound.org/newsletter/articles/toenails.htmlBecause it is immune system related, diet also becomes very important to help boost the immune system, so it can fight the disease , as the disease is trying to attack the bodies healthy tissue, so you may want to research out raw diets or use a highly digestable meat based kibble such a EVO or Solid Golds Barking at the Moon. I have one dog currently with Lupus, and am using EVO RM(red meat formula) and I am noticing less severity in the symptoms, then prior to her eating. Thera-paws makes boots for medical conditions a couple of years ago tey started began survey on greyhounds since many of there boots are being bought greyhound owner whose dogs hve medical paw conditions They have also put together a pages of medical conditions most of which is being seen in greyhounds www.therapaw.net/pawPadConditions.html at some point you may need a boot to protect the feet, they can be bought individually
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Post by multiplicity on Feb 5, 2007 12:18:13 GMT -5
Thank you so much Ontariogrey (aka mleg2001, right?). The nail is gone now and only the "heart" of the nail is left. It looks a little mangled but I think it is because Murph was chewing at it (it looked smooth and fine last week). However, there is another nail on his other hind foot that looks like it may be coming off. I will watch it carefully and make an appointment with the vet soon if I see anymore reason for concern. Right now he seems happy, playful and free of any pain, however, I have notice he licks his paws alot (more than my other hounds) after our walks. I have recently switched the boys food to Evo (the red meat one) so I am glad he is already on the right food should we be battling an autoimmune disease. Thanks again for your input/knowledge, it's greyt to be able to learn from other's experiences. If this requires a vet visit I will bring all the info on the links you provided for me here. I will keep you updated. Sheri & Murphy
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Post by ontariogreys on Feb 6, 2007 11:12:43 GMT -5
Yep and your welcome , Sheri You can also find more info on GT, there is a few members there whose greys have the SLO.
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Post by multiplicity on Feb 13, 2007 10:57:23 GMT -5
Murph went to the vet last night and had his claws looked at and one had to be pulled out. The vet said that it could be diet, autoimmune in nature or a sign of liver disease. She also said that sometimes nails can just fall off without being an indication of a disease state. Murph has to go back in 2 wks for a check-up. Wish us luck!
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Post by ontariogreys on Feb 13, 2007 13:45:20 GMT -5
Fingers and paws crossed here, with wishes all is well
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Post by multiplicity on Feb 13, 2007 19:39:03 GMT -5
Fingers and paws crossed here, with wishes all is well Thanks. I am hoping it is something as simple as diet. I have been trying different things with their diet. I had them on California Natural (the herring and sweet potato) and their poops were good, but all 3 lost quite a bit of weight and always ate their poop. I am thinking (hoping) maybe this might have something to do with Murph's nails...I tried the boys on EVO and they love it but had soft poops so I decided to do 50/50 with EVO and Nutro and it seems to be a winning combo. *crosssing fingers* I really hope Murph doesn't have SLO.
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Post by tara on Feb 14, 2007 7:55:07 GMT -5
prays and best wishes to Murphand you of course.
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Post by Krisztina Mikkelsen on Feb 14, 2007 23:29:00 GMT -5
Murph went to the vet last night and had his claws looked at and one had to be pulled out. The vet said that it could be diet, autoimmune in nature or a sign of liver disease. She also said that sometimes nails can just fall off without being an indication of a disease state. Murph has to go back in 2 wks for a check-up. Wish us luck! Any news from the vet?
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