My dog has a swollen toe, antibiotics failed. Should we amputate?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can try the antibiotics first. Usually a long course is needed when it is involving bone meaning having to give antibiotics for 4-8 weeks sometimes. If you would prefer to use medical therapy first, I would recommend they culture the wound so that they know which antibiotic would be best to use to treat this and use oral antibiotics instead of Convenia. Also, pain control medications are indicated to treat the pain. If no improvement is seen in that time frame, the toe amputation may be needed. You can use an e-collar to try to prevent licking which may delay healing. Good luck and have a great day!

A skin biopsy and bacterial culture swab must be taken to define underlying cause specifically and decide appropriate treatment. This presentation may be caused by a resistant bacteria (so a different antibiotic will be needed) or an autoimmune disorder (so a different treatment will be given). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

That looks like a nail bed infection (either bacterial or fungal or both). Was the medication given an oral skin antibiotic? Diesel may also benefit from a topical ointment with similar ingredients to otomax for ear infections, a medicated shampoo/mousse to use daily and an e-collar to prevent licking. Definitely let your vet the swelling is still there! Best wishes!

Since the medications did not help, Kye will need a recheck. Due to the size and location, it is best to have x rays done to see if it involves the bone in any way. From there surgery would be next to have it removed to find out if it is from an infection or a type of cancer. The surgery may involve removing the toe nail and first joint to make sure it is completely removed.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Hank. I am concerned that his toe is not healing. Infections in the nail and digit can be hard to treat. Sometimes aggressive antibiotics are needed. I will usually prescribe two separate antibiotics for a broader spectrum of coverage. However, I am always suspicious of cancer when there is a non-healing on a toe. In this case, you may discuss amputation with his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Unfortunately, just as in humans diabetic patients can be subject to increased risk of blood flow issues to the extremities and frequency of infection. I can't tell whether or not it will require amputation from the picture, but the swelling can be managed with some icing. I can't recommend other meds or topicals based on this image. Use a cone to prevent any possible self inflicted harm until morning. If the swelling is getting progressive worse quickly during the night, if your dog is feverish or acting like it, or if there is uncontrolled pain, seek emergency care tonight.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like this could be a benign or malignant growth. This is possibly what is causing her pain. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. They could start pain control medications if she appears to be painful. Good luck and have a good day!