Weird growth

If you can possibly get the pathology (biopsy) done I would -- YOU will be happier knowing and because it got SO messy (most tumors don't bleed) I would have it done if it were me.  (even if i had to eat Ramen noodles for months)

Start a notebook -- you want to keep a diary -- what those meds were, what tests/shots, etc. he had done -- just put a date on the left and what was done.  This is just an excellent habit to get into -- then later you'll be able to look back and say "Hmm, he had __________ when he had that thing removed from his paw!"

Record if he has any side effects to the drugs, etc.  Particularly even the anesthesia (like "he was MEGA thirsty when he got home!!" -- it helps later on to KNOW these things!!).

Don't build up fear in your mind -- he will be FINE.  Now -- he's not gonna be happy afterwards.  But don't feel like you have to give him a bunch of pain meds -- a little pain for a dog is a GOOD thing -- it keeps them more sedentary and keeps them from tearing all over and ripping open stitches!!

We **all** get nervous about surgery - but don't let it mess with your head.  Because if YOU get nervous it will make HIM nervous and that's not good for his health.  Does that make sense?

You'll want to get some vet wrap (you can get it right at Wal-Mart in the human first aid section) -- and maybe a few gauze pads (like a box of 4" ones).  You can always cut them down if you need to but be prepared with something to wrap it back up with -- he WALKS on his foot -- they make a total mess out of any foot dressing.

And you might get him an e-collar at PetSmart -- or at least price them -- it might be cheaper than at the vet.  (and DON"T throw it out after -- open it back up flat and store it under your bed if you need to -- but dogs tend to need e-collars occasionally and HAVING one saves you $25 the next time!!)

PIck up a box of chamomile tea -- just at the grocery store.  You can give him some of that (pour it over his food -- add the wet herbs to a nice topper -- he wont' mind and it will take the edge off any inflammation that developes.

I am SO GLAD the vet gave you antibiotics.  I could see that was infected -- and that's nothing to mess with.

*hugs* I just sent you two emails.  Take care hon!!!

Spazzy

Do you know of any vets in north eastern CT? (is there a website where you can search for GOOD/well known vets in specific areas?) Our current vet is already 45 mins away, so if its a bit of a drive to get there its ok, cause if it is a good vet then it will be worth it.  

I'd recommend Tufts Vet Hospital--from northeastern CT, they're not too far away. They may be able to really help with the foot. If you need/want the info about how to get there, just let me know and I can email it or post it here.

Timing is never good with these kinds of things.  I'm so happy that he's been to see the vet, and that a plan of action is in place.  I, too, would get a biopsy done....just to ease the mind.

Sending you and Bailey lots of good thoughts and healing vibes.  Remember its just a procedure....and you may have to keep him kenneled or crated for a few days afterwards....but this too shall pass.  Chin up, and don't worry.  You know that travels right to him.

Chelsea, let us know how it goes tomorrow.   FWIW, I too would get the biopsy, if you can.   I'll be sending good vibes for you both tomorrow.  He'll be fine.  I am always worried when my dogs have any sort of procedure, until they are back home, safe and sound, if bandaged. lol  

 Chelsea, I agree with the others; getting a biopsy done will give you piece of mind. I'll be thinking of you and you pup tomorrow, and sending good vibes. Jessie has had a few lumps removed in the past and I know how it can make you worry. Your boy is young and strong; he'll be fine. ((((hugs))))

So.... Since the stitches were taken out last wednesday(may 19th) Ive been cleaning his foot every day, and putting the antibiotic ointment on it plus giving him his oral antibiotic, and been keeping it wrapped. It really isnt looking any better, but at least its not looking any worse. It looks pretty much the same as it did the day the stitches got taken out.

Here are the links to some pictures of it (taken today) I didnt want to post them here cause they are kind of nasty looking. So if you are squeamish, dont click

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae80/Chelsea_shea/Baileyaftersurgery011.jpg

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae80/Chelsea_shea/Baileyaftersurgery013.jpg

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae80/Chelsea_shea/Baileyaftersurgery008-1.jpg

The white stuff on the sides isnt puss/ooze, its skin. Does that mean its dead skin? It looked like that the day they took out the stitches too, vet didnt seem worried.
I really havent seen any signs of healing at all. But it doesnt smell anymore (it smelled bad before they took the stitches out like it was getting infected again) and it does bleed and ooze a little, but not a lot. I put sterile gauze pads between his pads and on the bottom of his foot every day when I wrap it, and when I change them there is always a bloody ooze spot in the middle.

What kind of soap are you using?  Keep it **very** gentle.  Don't use anything antiseptic (in the soap world it's a huge irritant)

Yes, it looks like the white is dead skin -- you aren't using peroxide are you??  (that can kill skin)

Did the vet send the original "thing" out for pathology?  Has that come back yet?

Are you using the chammomile tea topically?  I would -- it will help dry it up a bit. 

When the body oozes moisture like this (even puss to a degree) that's simply the body's way of soothing it and getting rid of toxins.

He's on antibiotics right??  Are you giving him any yogurt??  I would definitely -- give it at least 3 hours "off" from the antibiotic (so the antibiotic doesn't just "kill" the probiotic/good bacteria that is in the yogurt).

It doesn't have to be plain (altho dogs typically love it cos it's dairy) -- just make sure it doesn't have artificial sweeteners in it.

btw -- you should have that book maybe Monday or Tuesday. 

Im not sure what brand it is.... it just plain old antibacterial soap. I dont put the soap directly on his foot, I mix it in water first.

Nope, not using peroxide. Is the dead skin bad? Does that mean its not healing? It was like that with the stitches too, and it hasnt changed at all since they got taken out. (Not any bigger or smaller, but I guess that is kind of a good thing) Any guesses as to how long this will take to heal if all goes well? Im just wondering when I should expect be seeing some improvment...
I think Im going to start taking pictures of it daily, that way it will be easier to spot any tiny differences.

Callie the biopsy results came back last week (couple days before he got the stitches taken out) I posted it in the other thread. They said it was a benign, wart type growth. They said it was a nail like growth, with the callous/pad tissue growing in around it.

DON'T use antibacterial soap - it will irritate the heck out of the wound.  That's an extra chemical that really doesn't need to be in a raw open wound --

Get something **very** gentle and plain -- like plain Ivory soap or a baby soap.  The best would be Dr. Bronners which is a plain castile soap. 

We are sold SUCH a line of hoooey by soap companies with this "anti-bacterial" garbage -- it is a huge irritant and it really doesn't work ANY better than plain mild soap. 

Hmm... thats what the vet said to use

Im not sure it really is antibacterial soap, I just kind of assumed it was. It doesnt have a label anymore (it got torn off) so Im not sure what brand it is. I know its just "regular" soap, tho. And its not scented or anything.
I think there might be some baby soap around here somewhere... I'm going to look for it.

Spazzy

Im not sure it really is antibacterial soap, I just kind of assumed it was.

Vets often use really harsh stuff -- I think I told you way way up there that I'd be alternating -- one time I'd use a very mild very very dilute soap mixture but then the next time I'd be using a rinse with tea tree oil in water (just a few drops) -- particularly to help keep away the moisture/fungal issues

I found some baby soap & used that tonight.

I took a picture of it but I didnt get a chance to upload them yet.. I think it might look a TINY little bit better possibly.. maybe. Its hard to tell cause I dont want to pull his pads apart & stretch the skin just to look at it... Its still oozing, but not any more than before and its still only a little bit.

He IS on antibiotics, right??  That should help keep infection down. 

calliecritturs

He IS on antibiotics, right??  That should help keep infection down. 

Yup, oral & ointment. The oral meds I think will be done in 2 days (hes been on them for a week).
How long do you think I should continue putting the ointment on it? Vet said till it stops oozing and is mostly healed, but I have no idea how long thats going to take.

 I never realized how active we both are. I mean, hes not a young dog so he is not as active as he used to be, but he is driving me CRAZY. He wants to run soooooo bad. He hasnt been off leash in over 2 weeks now... I dont know how much longer either of us can last like this

Its oozing a lot less now and it looks like the wound is getting smaller! There still is a lot of white skin around the area... but obviously its not dead becuase its closing in on the wound.

I cant wait until he is compltely healed