So he is now in the vets.....I have had to leave him there
Long stosry short the claw has come away from the nail bed, so every time he catches it slightly it rips away again. It was bleeding a lot when I took him in, and am so amazed he hasnt been licking it or hasnt seemed too bothered by it, even though it must be very painful for him.So they need to heavily sedate him (not quite an anaesthetic) and remove part of the claw and cauterise it.....I think that is right....it was all a bit of a blur so am going to check it all more when I pick him up. The vet was really nice, as Dylan isnt the easiest....he was fine and all friendly until she came to examine him (I am sure it is down to how close the person has to be to do this?), at which time he was wriggling, crying, growling, trying to snap (but he had the muzzle on) and looking generally unhappy. Then as soon as she had looked at it enough but still stood next to him, he was fine....visibily relaxed. When Iout him back on the floor his tail went nicely down and relaxed and was wagging and he was fairly chilled.
She said with regard to exercise, he can still be taken for walks as he doesnt bear any weight on the dew claw, but it will need to be kept clean and dry.....she suggested maybe walking him on pavements until I said he is a very active dog....so she said she is going to try and find me an empty drip back which i could tape over the paw to stop it getting wet.
She also said that they would normally get the dog back a few days later to change bandages and check it, but she said as it would stress him out more she will tell me what to look out for, then I can check it and call them and tell them how it is. I dont think he would let them change the bandage without being sedated which is so sad....he would let me do anything! She suggested maybe I could put a sock over the paw and tape it so that it is covered to protect it from him licking it, but there is no chance of it being too tight.
So my poor boy is in doggie hospital. And for a couple of weeks he isnt going to be able to have such good walks...so will be doing lots more road walks and clicker training sessions at home instead. He was due to go to my friends (the dog walker) next Tuesday when I am at work as my parents are out all day, but am going to have to cancel that and try to work from home - or go into the office only in the morning - as he cant be messing about running round wihother dogs all day getting messy in the woods! Poor littleman!
Anyone else had experience of dew claw injuries?
We can you go to pick him up?
