Senior dog with toe cancer: How to manage wound and prevent infection?

Hello, sorry to hear about Panda. An injury such as a sprain may simply require some rest and ice. If he has a cut then cleaning with soap and water will work. And finally, placing an e-collar on him so that he does not lick at his toes would be best case scenario as this is likely the source of infection. If he is licking at the area, he should wear a cone for approximately 3-5 days. No running, jumping, or rough housing should be allowed during his rest period of 10 days. Once he has recovered, then he may resume his normal activity. If his toe continues to be red, then you he should be seen by a veterinarian. If Panda develops any limping, then he should also be seen by his veterinarian then. Hope this helps and best of luck.

No, there is not really anything you can do for the bleeding, unfortunately. What I would recommend is that you apply this Biozide Gel. Apply to the wound, put a non-stick Telfa pad on it and then bandage it. Change the bandage every 1-2 days. https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=101737 https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=104377 https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=109629 You do need to keep that bandaged and do not allow him to lick/chew it. So, you should have him wear a cone. The cone needs to be long enough to go past the end of his nose. You can use a soft-sided collar if you wish.

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.

Ouch! I would keep the paw as clean and dry as possible, and keep Nike from licking at it by placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on him. Limiting activity so he doesn't keep walking on it and introducing any more debris into the foot is also a good idea. Since it is such a big wound, seeing if you can get into the vet sooner is also a good idea so he can get started on pain meds or antibiotics as needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is possible that this is still cancer and perhaps the biopsy that was taken was not representative. It really may not be cancer and it may represent fibrosis or inflammation and scar tissue. I think it would be a good idea to consider getting larger biopsies to see if the diagnosis changes. If it does come back as cancer, this could be removed. Even if benign, your veterinarian could consider referring Milo to a board certified surgeon to see if there is surgical option to remove this even if benign for quality of life purposes. Good luck and best wishes!

Since topical medication hasnt healed the area up Cali may need oral antibiotics to help clear up the ulceration that is on the surface of her wart. You may also want to consider talking to your vet about having the mass removed since it is causing her some distress and staying infected. In the meantime the best way to help it heal and keep her from licking it is the cone. I'm sorry, I know she probably hates wearing it, and I don't blame her. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Romeo! Labs are very allergic breeds. It is likely that Romeo has allergies to his food, the environment or has atopy. I would recommend testing for demodex or putting him on Nexgard, Bravecto or Simparica to cover for the possibility of demodex mites. I would them recommend a skin cytology to see if the infection is bacterial and or yeast in nature. Then put him on ORAL antibiotic or anti-fungals for a minimum of 3 weeks, likely longer. He also, if licking his feet, should be put on something to decrease the itch like apoquel or cytopoint. Most dogs with allergies need to be on multiple medications: antihistamines long term, apoquel long term, Omega 3 fatty acids, and a novel protein diet. I recommend changing his food to a non chicken based diet. Try Venison, Beef, lamb, pork, all fish or duck. You need to give the diet 2-3 months and he can not be given any other types of food or treats. I hope this helps and I wish Romeo the very best!