Puppy Missing Rear Toes and Pads Needs Suggestion

[Adrienne]

Last week I found an 8-10 week old puppy in an industrial area parking lot. She was limping and when I looked closely at her, I noticed she was missing half of her right foot. She has no toes and no pads, and she walks on what looks like a stump. She gets around fine, but it often seems as though she is in pain when pressure is applied. I worry that she will eventually get hip problems as she is a large breed dog and will need to put pressure on that leg for support. The vet gave her antibiotics internally and externally, but offered little in suggesting what we may do to help her. The end of her feet bleeds occasionally, so I am thinking that this disability was caused after birth, perhaps i got caught in something or another animal hurt her, but she is developed normally in every other way. Any suggestions on what may help her would be greatly appreciated, as the splints/braces do not account for the possibility of a missing paw/toes. Thank You!

[critters]

Glad you took this baby in!!! How about boots or shoes for protection? Some people use lighter protection, like baby socks. Since this is a relatively unusual situation, I suggest you keep a creative mind and prowl yard sales, stores, etc. for "just the thing" to keep that baby healthy. I've been known to prowl all of the above plus hardware departments, toy departments, and everything else looking for the "perfect solution." It works, though!!

You should also be aware that the baby might be fitted with a prosthetic when growth slows or stops.

[CarolC]

Last week I found an 8-10 week old puppy in an industrial area parking lot. She was limping and when I looked closely at her, I noticed she was missing half of her right foot. She has no toes and no pads, and she walks on what looks like a stump.

Hi Adrienne,

Here is a gallery page about Peg who had her foot reconstructed.

http://www.handicappedpets.com/gallery/peg10/index.htm

These message threads are about Peg (Evelyn is her "mom")

http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... read=10915

http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... read=10976

http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... read=13072

http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... read=13073

Here is a gallery page about Hoppy, who is missing a rear paw.

http://www.handicappedpets.com/gallery/ ... /index.htm

Here is the website for Cathy Erwin, who is mentioned on the page about Hoppy:

http://www.walkaboutharnesses.com/aboutus.html

Here is a webpage for getting orthotics and prostheses through this website.

http://www.handicappedpets.com/k9brace/index.htm

[Adrienne]

Thanks for the suggestions. She is so spunky that her little stump seems to bleed often and we can not keep her calm, so I am further concerned about infections. I won't let her play or roam anywhere other than the kitchen floor, which is tile, as it is always clean and not hard like concrete. We do not allow our other dog on the carpet, so all heck would break loose if she was allowed, as we are already dealing with a jealous older dog. I do appreciate any help or direction.

[Adrienne]

How exciting to know that a dog can have reconstructive surgery. This is definitely something to look in to. Hoppy's story is so similar that I have already contacted the "boot maker" and doggy friend who aided in this situation. I am relieved to know that there are options for a new family member and that she will not always have to be in pain, off balance, or sheltered from the outdoors! Thanks again to all who have offered responses.