Mutilating Paws - Out of Options - What do we do?

Bloodwork shouldn't cost more than $40.  If you do this then you can put the dog on the correct dog food, perhaps a simple yet effective healthcare change!

ORIGINAL: willowchow

I don't understand the vet saying that you've tried everything when he hasn't even run any blood tests.  And, not just allergy tests, he should run as other have suggested a complete work up.  It could be something as simple as thyroid which is pretty easy to treat and pretty inexpensive.  If it is allergy it would be worth it to find out, maybe he won't need shots, it might be a food and you could stay away from that. 

Until you get some answers, have you tried Benedryl at all?  That might help with this chewing of the paws which is probably because he's very itchy. 

I had the thought that this might be behavioral at first, but he wouldn't stop doing other things if it was I don't think.  It might be but I think if it was my dog I'd rule out physical things first. 

We took Willow to a dermatologist a few years ago too and she was very helpful. 

 
Yes, I am trying Benedryl now. I know it takes a few weeks to really kick in; however, until Benedryl, I tried another over-the-counter allergy medication, and it did not work.
 
It's odd.  The moment the e-collar comes off, he goes for his paws.  It's like something he just HAS to do - an obsession.

ORIGINAL: dogslife

He is lethargic, not drinking water, and does not want to urina

You have to have bloodwork done to see just what is going on.  This does sound serious.  It could be thyroid or worse, his kidneys.  Have the bloodwork done at a reputable vet and take it from there.  I wouldn't wait to do this either.
Good luck with the pup.

 
I'm calling the vet right now.  Thanks!

I'm suspecting that there may be something in the yard that is causing part of the problem -- pesticide, and especially a contact allergy from grass -- a dog can literally refuse to step ON grass without great trauma, and then stop eating and drinking so they don't have to pee/poop. The end result is illness and depression.

We have lived in this particular location for over 2 years.  My husband does use fertilizer on the yard, but it's been awhile.  Also, in our other location, we also used the fertilizer and it did not seem to bother our dog.  It's just been since starting the anti-depressent medication that we have witness this odd behavior.  I called the vet, and she is going to call me back.  I will be taking him in this morning for another exam and this time blood work!

It is difficult with our pets.  They cant tell you just what is wrong.  All we can do is look at the symptoms and guess.  The symptoms we see are going to be what the dogs behavior shows and the physical condition of him.  Appearance, weight, daily routine and how it is all changed/patterns or trends of change in your dog.That is what the owner has to work with.
 
The vet needs to examine the physiological aspects and also apply the tests and come to a conclusive diagnosis. Bloodwork tells plenty about the organ functions of the body and gives you some parameters to work with. Urine samples are helpful.  Ultra-sound of the kidneys would show if there is obvious physical condition.
 
It is good to find out the source of the distress.  Hope it turns out ok.

ORIGINAL: Dog_Lover1221

Yes, I love my dog very much, but, as I pointed out in another post, I do want to be reasonable.  I'm sure we could spend thousands of dollars attempting to treat our pet; however, that is not reasonable to me.  We do have carpet, but to take up our carpet and put down alternate flooring would cost thousands and thousands of dollars.  This is an animal, not a human.  BUT...I am concerned that there are simple remedies that we may have overlooked.  This is what I'm trying to determine.  I am going to make some changes immediately, such as using only filtered water for his drinking bowl, cleaning his bowls with soap daily.

If this is only a dog to you, then please, rather than euthanize him, take him to a rescue or a no kill shelter.  He may be way more than a dog to someone else.
Also, there are non-profit organizations that can help committed owners not have to euthanize because they can't afford treatment.
Here they are:
[linkhttp://www.imom.org]www.imom.org[/link]
[linkhttp://www.uan.org]www.uan.org[/link]
[linkhttp://www.help-a-pet.org]www.help-a-pet.org[/link]
The American Animal Hospital Assn. has a program, too.
I hope you would not euth your dog on the basis of one vet's opinion.
Take Callie's advice and seek out another.
And, if you care more about carpet than your dog, please don't get another one.  Sometimes they get sick - I have tiled my entire first floor (after my last dog became incontinent at 16) and am still washing bedding three times a day for my 17 old girl.  And, the light of my life will go out when she passes...

And, for gosh sake, STOP fertilizing your lawn!!!!! Some toxins are cumulative in their ability to irritate.

Spiritdogs, did you read that she is taking her dog for bloodwork and exam this very morning?  I think she is very caring and when she was talking about the thousands of dollars, I believe this is more of her worry rather than what is actually happening now.
 
It is a huge concern when the dog is sick and the cost is not something someone wants to incur, but just wait and see.  It may be less about money and more about diagnosis and care resulting here!
 
Hoping for the best!

I second everything Anne just said and want to add my neighbors dog died from her fertilizing the lawn, was on the dogs paws and she ingested it and in time it killed her,a necropsy was done. She has two new dogs and has built a concrete patio and a deck out back so that she can have a nice lawn in front and the dogs don't  have to go near it.

Depending on where you are in Ala I would have to say your vet practice experience might be limited. I've lived in the state and am familiar with this.

There is a fungus going around that can only be reduced by cephelexin.That could be one thing that is going on with the feet.

If the dog hasn't done this prior to the anti-depresents then that could be the issue. In that case if it is a behavior then try spraying bitter apple on all the feet so your dog doesn't chew them or at least might reduce the chewing. Listerine also works for that as well but if there are open sores I wouldn't do either.
 
Can you take a picture of the feet so I can get a better idea of what we're dealing with?

I'm not familiar with the food you're feeding but I would check if there are any grains in it and also what is the protein base? Chicken, beef, lamb? I went to a RAW chicken diet for my dog who was tearing up his feet and found he was allergic to chicken as well as wheat.

There are many options you can check or try without getting into a high expenses. I can totally understand being in a situation where finances might limit your decissions or choices. I keep a buffer amount in my "dog account" it is generally for dog shows and unexpected health issues other then normal vet services. I own more dogs then the avaerage person because I show and breed. Luckily I do this as I had a pup fracture his leg in a wire crate!! Go figure, where you think they are safest right?
This pup's vet bills have exceeded $1500.00 to repair his leg, that came out of my show expenses and why I am in PA instead of Tenn for the Frenchie National Specialty.

Bottom line is we can help you with suggestions that could help solve the problems you are experiencing if you have the patience to try. It might be long and you might get frustrated but we're a great suport system and many of us have been through things just like what you are going through. I'm sure you don't want to give up your dog, I'll bet you're just feeling that you have reached the end because nothing is working and you don't want to see your dog suffer. Only you see what you dog is going through, no matter how small or bad it is we really don't know because we're not there to see or experience it. Hang on tight and many of us will do our best to get you where you and your dog will feel better

I agree about the fertilizer.  There are many plants as well that are considered toxic.  It is so condemning when you find out what could be a problem in your own backyard.
 
I hope that this pup doesn't have kidney d.  It is a really horrible one.

I am taking Snowball to a different vet this afternoon for an exam and blood work.  The total cost should be under $200.  If we do allergy testing, that will run $250 plus the cost of the vials, which runs around $100-200 for a 6-month supply.

Dogs have been a part of my life ever since I can remember.  I love animals.  My dog is not "just a dog" to me.  He is a member of our family.  But he is an animal, not a human being, and I must remember this when considering all of our options.  The lives of my husband and son must come first.  Expenses must be allocated first to the lives and comfort of the humans in our family.  The disruption to our lives as human beings must be taken into consideration.  The level of disruption and expense pet owners are comfortable with will vary.  I am not one to flippantly choose to euthanize my pet simply because he's "too much trouble."  However, we all must draw a line somewhere. 

If the problem is determined to be allergies and my dog needs shots, we will have to train and find someone who is willing to do this while we are out of town.  Is this asking too much?  Yes, we could board him at the vet's, but that is less than ideal and very  stressful (we have never boarded our dog).

We are currently feeding our dog ZD Ultra, which is supposedly made via a process that doesn't allow the dog's system to recognize the protein which makes it impossible for him to develop an allergy to it (if I understood the vet correctly!).  But one little crumb on the flour, a speck of flour, undoes all the benefit of a special diet.  It is impossible or next to it to ensure that our dog never ingests anything other than his special food.  To what extent should we go to make sure his mouth never touches anything other than his food, not even a speck of something else?

I know some people treat their pets like children, perhaps even better than their children (from what I've heard).  I feel like my dog is my "baby;" however, I have a respect for the order of God's creation.  Humans are created in His image; animals are not.  Animals were created for our benefit and enjoyment, and I truly believe in caring for them and never purposefully harming them, especially for pleasure.  But I cannot elevate my dog to the same level I do my husband and children.  I will be reasonable in our search for answers and a cure.  But I cannot put our dog before the humans in our home.  This does not mean that I do not love my dog; it does not mean that I should never own another pet.

ORIGINAL: dogslife

I agree about the fertilizer.  There are many plants as well that are considered toxic.  It is so condemning when you find out what could be a problem in your own backyard.

I hope that this pup doesn't have kidney d.  It is a really horrible one.

 
I can ask my husband and the vet about the fertilizer.  I know when he has sprayed for weeds in the past, we have not allowed our dog on the yard for a time.  But those applications are few and far between.  This problem just recently developed.
 
According to the vet's office (the place I normally take Snowball), if he is not drinking that much, he won't be urinating that much either.  I take the e-collar off quite often, trying to get Snowball to drink water.  Sometimes he does; sometimes he doesn't.  But the vet's explanation doesn't make sense.  My dog is NOT urinating as often as he should.  Period.  Well, we'll see what the "new" vet says this afternoon.  When I mentioned to the girl on the phone that Snowball is taking Prozac, she seemed puzzled.  "Prozac??" she asked.  Hmm.  I didn't think this was that unusual. 

Was there a behavior problem that your dog was placed on prozac?

DogLover, I hope you find the answer to Snowballs problems. I can tell you love your dog very much and you will do whatever you can to help him. I would never judge anyone until I walked in their shoes! I'm not sure what my "limit" would be with my dog and I pray I never have to make that determination. Prayers for you and Snowball!

ORIGINAL: amstaffy

Was there a behavior problem that your dog was placed on prozac?

 
Yes, the vet placed Snowball on Prozac for the obsessive paw mutilation/chewing.  We are trying to see if Snowball is mutilating his paws and pulling out his hair for behaviorial reasons.