Should my senior Lab get toe amputation for paw arthritis pain?

Dogs do get malignant nail bed tumors. This area does look angry and it certainly could be a malignant tumor. If you wish to be cautious you can get a second opinion from a veterinary oncologist or another veterinarian. It's difficult to get a good sample from this area so your veterinarian is correct to recommend a toe amputation. Since Hailey is young there is a chance that this is an infection also. You could try a course of antibiotics for a couple of weeks to see if it heals. If the mass continues to enlarge then I would definitely remove the toe as if it's a malignant melanoma they do spread and it could go into her lungs which is a life threatening condition. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Hailey.

Unfortunately, I can't say that I like the looks of that. Masses like these associated with the nail bed can often be problematic in both structure and physiology. structurally, they can grow larger and start to make it difficult for Lily to walk normally without pain. Physiologically, there are types of toes masses that malignant, both locally and systemically, and others that are benign. The first thing I'd do if you are interested in doing a work up, would be to request your vet obtain a biopsy or cytology of the lesion to assess what it is. Depending on the result and how fast they believe the lesion will grow, your vet can make appropriate suggestions. In the majority of toe masses that have any potential at all for spread, typically the toe (or toes) are amputated. Dogs get along fine and usually don't miss a step, even in older pups like Lily. Anyway, hope this helps.

If there is no improvement at this point more testing does need to be done. I would recommend started with an x ray to see if the bone is affected or has anything going on. Amputation is a viable option at this point due to lack or response and pain associated with this. If you are not satisfied with your vet it is reasonable to seek a second opinion with your medical records to see what other options you have to help Abby.

It is concerning that Breda's had continued swelling with that joint. Since it's been ongoing for a couple of months, even if it was broken, the original break would be healed by now, but I would be concerned about arthritis in the joint. She is an older dog (based on the age you put in her pet info), and arthritis is common in older dogs. Rest certainly would be indicated with swelling, but I would also recommend a vet visit to get this area x-rayed to look for signs of arthritis to confirm if that is what is causing the problem. Pain medication may also be indicated for her as well, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medication, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd give her vet a call now to make her an appointment, and start resting her. I hope this helps.

Hello. I can not see what you previously wrote, so you may need to provide the history again. Your poor dog looks like she suffered a badly broken leg that has healed in a totally inappropriate manner. If this is the case, the easiest solution ( and fastest ) is to amputate the leg. This sounds harsh, but I am looking at the way she is putting the top of her paw on the ground & not only is this uncomfortable, it can lead to skin damage resulting in infection. Dogs can do wonderful once a bad & painful injury like this is taken care of. It is, of course, only one possibility. X-rays & a consult with an orthopedic surgeon may show a potential different outcome, but if this leg has been this way for some time, any meaningful correction to normal is unlikely. I hope I have addressed your concerns, & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm sorry to hear that Stubbs is having this problem. Without being able to see and palpate the tumor, I really can't say what surgical options might be reasonable. I can tell you that tumors on the paws and lower legs are often very challenging to completely remove without amputation, but there may be cases where this could be possible. I would suggest getting a second opinion from another veterinarian in your area, if you want to make sure that all reasonable options are being considered.

Unfortunately, when wounds don’t heal given appropriate treatment, things like cancer move up on the list of possible causes. Surgery may be the only option that he has for a complete cure. Due to Trader’s heart disease, you may want to consider having the procedure done by a specialist. You may also consider a referral to an oncologist who may be able to get a small tissue sample to determine if it is cancer or not. Your regular veterinarian may also be able to do this. Certain types of cancers may respond to chemotherapy or radiation and avoid surgery. It is all based upon what type of cancer is present however. I recommend to discuss these options and your concerns with your veterinarian. They will be best able to guide you in making this decision. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.