Hi folks,

I came rushing upstairs to start yelling for advice but having just read some of the other dog's (more serious) problems I feel a bit silly now.

However, whilst out walking today, my dobe did his usual disapearing act after a deer shot out in front of us on a woodland trail. I saw them re-appear about half a mile away going like the clappers at full stretch and seriously thought he actually caught it at one point - my heart fell into my boots as visions of Hugo being put down came to me. Anyhow, he came back after about 10 minutes seemingly fine, but at feed time I noticed he couldn't put any weight on his rear nearside paw. His whole paw upto his fetlock is all hot and swollen and he's holding it out behind him like a ballerina having a stretch!

It seems to me that he's strained or pulled something and given rest and time it will resolve itself. However, I've just been told that dobes manage to break their toes a lot being clumsy oafs so now I'm wondering whether the vets would be a better option. I'm wondering whether he's broken something by landing wrong or even whether the deer has managed to kick him. I've palpitated the whole paw and the sore bit seems to be along the third toe bone - but I can't tell if anything is broken as he pulls his leg away.

Someone tell me to shut up if I'm panicking unnecessarily - but any advice would be appreciated. (apologies for any horse or police terminology used - I couldn't think of a better way to describe it!)

Lady G

Hi,

Your not being silly, your dogs are important to you :)

We have daxies but have friends that own dobies, and they are very prone to fractures of the toes. They have said that even capering around their kennels and house that they have managed to fracture bones.
I personally would advise that you make an appointment at the vet tomorrow and get an xray............better safe than sorry..........or at least get some analgesia

I have a friend who's Weim has just broken a toe so yes, it is a risk although I wouls stress it is only a slight risk. (I must admit that years ago when I was racing, if a person crashed we would wiggle his fingers and toes and if we did not receive a punch on the jaw we assumed there were no bones broken!!!) If it is still swollen in 24 hours I would certainly take him to the vet. My friend's Weim has his toe taped up and no walking for at least 6 weeks.

Regards, John

Hi Lady G, sounds like Hugo is a tyical Dobe :-) What they don't realise is that the deer is long gone by the time they get anywhere near it :D . As I found out to my cost this time of year is a nightmare for injuries, there are wet slippery leaves, fallen branches! and wildlife without cover. My dobe went after something in the woods a few years ago this time of year and came back limping slightly, it turned out she had torn her cruciate. It sounds like he has broken on of his toes but I think you should definately take him to the vet, even if he seems a bit better tomorrow, in my experience dobes seem to do a good act in pretending there is nothing wrong :( . My sister's dobe is the same - always getting into scrapes this time of year. Their short coats don't offer much protection either.

Hope he is feeling better soon

Clair
xxxx

Thanks for the replies, I've made an appointment with my vet for 9.30 tomorrow as he's getting worse by the hour. My little beagle has taken up the role as nursemaid, on standby to lick injured paw on cue when Hugo holds it up and whimpers. Honestly! Men are such bad patients!

Vet kept making sympathetic 'tut tut' noises over the 'phone which never bodes well and makes me fear for my bank balance. Far better when they pause, sigh, then say "Can you bring him in a week on Thursday?!"

I've been doing mini examinations all evening and it looks like he's damaged his two middle toes.
I am filled with dread at the possibility of not being able to walk him for six weeks! He'll be bouncing off the walls in 24 hours with no exercise! Nooooooooooo!

Aaaaghhhh! My sympathies!! Hopefully he's only pulled tendons. Good luck!

Oh dear, all is not well. Hugo's managed to tread on something that has gone up through his pad and is stuck about in inch up from there, all nicely infected. He yelped and struggled like a small elephant throughout the examination, bless him.

He's got to go to doggy hospital for an op this afternoon, so fingers crossed he'll back tonight for treats galore and a long snooze in front of the fire.

There's only one thing for it. I shall have to go shopping to distract myself. Ho hum.

Regards

Lady G

Hi Jaime

Sounds like you will need some "doggy boots" as well to keep Hugo's foot clean and try - perhpas we should split a set - one for you, two for me and one spare :)

Christine

Oh poor Hugo.:( Lots of hugs to him.
Dot

Poor Hugo. TH did the same two weeks ago, but it turned out just to be a very bad sprain. Scares the heck out of you tho' doesn't it

Hope all goes well for your boy. Don't faint when you see the bill ;)

Poor Hugo hope he is feeling better soon & your bank balance

Clair
xxx

Sounds like a Contravention of the Dobermann Act 2002, Section 1(a) - allowing a Dobermann to be nursemaided by a Beagle! LOL.

Shirley

(Police civilian for quite a few years - couldn't resist it!)

Best wishes for Hugo's Paw :D
I'm sure he'll have you out and about quick smart !
Liz :)

Morning all,

Thank you so much for all your posts - we've printed them off and hung them over Hugo's bed where he is recovering after his op! All he needs is a bunch of grapes and some flowers to complete the 'hospital' scene!

The vet thinks he trod on a nail that went in head first, the nail must have fallen out at the time, but it managed to chip a little bit of bone when it went in. He's all bandaged up with a little booty on, antibiotics galore and no walks for a week. Gulp!

Christine, I think I shall make Hugo wear mid sole steel capped welllies from now on! To hell with little booties!

Shirley, Bertie the Beagle has been found guilty of aore mentioned contravention and has been sentenced to 2 hours community sniffing in the garden!!

The bill was £140.00 - a drop in the ocean compared to what I spent on distraction retail therapy yesterday!!!

Many thanks again to you all.

Lady G