Odd paw

[gillwales]

Has anyone had experience of a puppy having one paw smaller than the others? My Daughter's GR has had a litter and one puppy has one front paw smaller and slightly turned in. She has spoken to her Vet, who has already seen the puppies and was told it should develop normally. Obviously my Daughter is worried. The puppy seems healthy in every other way, it is the same size has it's siblings. There is no inbreeding. Any help appreciated. The puppies are just under 4 weeks of age.

[gillwales]

Update

Puppy has gone to the Vets 3 times now and my Daughter was told each time his paw would grow to be normal. Today was my stint for puppy sitting. It is obvious to me that it is a joint problem, it is malformed and prevents the puppy putting his paw normally onto the ground. I am really cross with the Vet. Has anyone had any experience of this? If so what was the outcome? What sort of treatment was given. My Husband thinks that they may have to break the joint. I'm guessing the worse outcome is amputation.

[Philippa]

Sorry Gill I cant offer any advice other than find a different vet. We are forever coming up against brick walls with the types of dogs we have/breed.

You could do with talking to some GSD breeders local to you if you can locate them (KC website) and asking them.

We sold a perfectly healthy show quality boston terrier to a pet home, they took him to the vets for routine jabs and the vet convinced them he needed his nasal passages widening and promtly booked him in and did the operation. What im trying to say is there are general vets why really dont have a clue, you could do with a specialist and quick.

[gillwales]

TY, its a Golden Retriever, and my thoughts exactly re the Vets. But it is not my puppy. I have offered to take it to any Vet they want, My Son-In-Law has taken him back tonight, I told my Daughter not to accept the "he will grow out of it" again, however my Son-In -Law is not so animal savy, fingers crossed. These small animal Vets really make me cross, talk about overcharging, they sit in their practices and charge £35 for a 5 min consultation everything else is extra

[Philippa]

Sorry Gill obviously only picked up on the G and didn't read the rest properly. Hopefully your son in law won't be fobbed off.

[gillwales]

np Pup now has a splint to help him walk, no advise has to when he gets taken back. Hopefully it will help him. Just to say puppy is not for sale and will live with a member of the family

[Philippa]

Well I suppose it's a start. Had a thought overnight. What about an equine/canine physiotherapist??

[gillwales]

I had suggested massage, which I think they are doing. It certainly cannot hurt. As I understand the Vet wants to see how he grows, I am not confident personally, however I have not been there and at the end of the day it is not my puppy. I will update things incase in the future it will help someone else.

[sjw87]

I don't know if there is anything similar close to you but it may be worth giving these guys a call for advice:

www.physio-vet.co.uk

I've not used them per se but prior to them starting the business, David worked at the small animal practice that I use and is a very good vet. I've also known one of their vet nurses and their mctimoney practitioner for a long time through horses.

[gillwales]

Jun 9, 2018 5:48:05 GMT sjw87 said:

I don't know if there is anything similar close to you but it may be worth giving these guys a call for advice:

www.physio-vet.co.uk

I've not used them per se but prior to them starting the business, David worked at the small animal practice that I use and is a very good vet. I've also known one of their vet nurses and their mctimoney practitioner for a long time through horses.

I have passed this link onto my Daughter she sends her thanks

[sjw87]

You're welcome.

Good luck and please keep us updated :-)

[gillwales]

Update. Well Simba has grown a lot, his paw is not completely normal but it has improved a great deal, he runs on it, but not normal speed. It has grown to be more the size of the other paws and he did not need an op to help. I admit the Vets did give the correct advice. He has stayed in the family, obviously he could not be sold, but is much loved. TY to everyone who has shown an interest, hopefully any info on here might help someone else.

[sjw87]

That's brilliant news. Thanks for the update :-)