I have been doing some research on Carter's foot...he has a bone chip in his left foot, on his last knuckle, which is causing extreme swelling at that joint. We were at the vet 2 1/2 weeks ago for it. The xrays showed the chip. The vet called this a fracture. However, I am beginning to think, based on my reading a book called "The Arthritis Cure for Pets", that this one chip may be casued by arthritis, not an injury. The book mentions that arthritis, or osteochondrosis, can cause breakdown of cartilage, leading to bones rubbing together, leading to chips/spurs. I cannot find a lot of information on arthritis in the feet, however, so I am not sure.
Vet recommended 4 weeks of rest, which we are doing. It has not yet improved, although it has been 2 1/2 weeks, not 4. After that, he recommends casting it. The third step after casting, if it still does not improve, would be surgery to remove the chip. My question is this...if it is caused by arthritis and not an injury, will a cast help?? It doesn't seem so to me. I am trying to avoid any unnecessary and stressful treatment.
Maybe I need to go to an ortho vet instead?
Carter followup...arthritis questions...
Re: Carter followup...arthritis questions...
In a 5-year-old dog, it would be unlikely that he'd be arthritic.
Please use caution when reading books with any mention of "cure" where arthritis is concerned or any other health condition where the book touts suspicious cures vs conventional veterinary medicine. Not knowing what book you read, or who the author is, or it's contents, I'm only suggesting caution.
If your vet diagnosed a fracture, take him for his word and experience and follow his treatment advice. You are of course entitled to a second opinion if you feel it's necessary, but I suspect your vet knows what he's doing/suggesting.
To answer your question, a cast wouldn't improve an arthritic condition, since it is usually the weight on the joint that produces discomfort and pain (yes, as well as cartilage loss). If your vet suspected arthritis, he probably would have suggested a supplement and/or antiinflammatory medications, plus mild restriction of activity, potential weight management, etc.
Please use caution when reading books with any mention of "cure" where arthritis is concerned or any other health condition where the book touts suspicious cures vs conventional veterinary medicine. Not knowing what book you read, or who the author is, or it's contents, I'm only suggesting caution.
If your vet diagnosed a fracture, take him for his word and experience and follow his treatment advice. You are of course entitled to a second opinion if you feel it's necessary, but I suspect your vet knows what he's doing/suggesting.
To answer your question, a cast wouldn't improve an arthritic condition, since it is usually the weight on the joint that produces discomfort and pain (yes, as well as cartilage loss). If your vet suspected arthritis, he probably would have suggested a supplement and/or antiinflammatory medications, plus mild restriction of activity, potential weight management, etc.
..........Traci
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KristinBNLI
Re: Carter followup...arthritis questions...
Thought I would update you all since you were so helpful when I started posting about it...
We went to see the orthopedic specialist about Carter's foot this morning to evaluate the bone chip and swelling in his left foot. He agrees that this was not from one single injury, but from arthritic changes over time due to stress on his joint. The vet examined him by carefully manipulating all of his joints in his feet, toes, shoulders and elbows. We also took him outside so he could watch him walk. He wants me to watch for any head bobbing, told me dogs bob in the direction of their good leg, which I did not know. I have not noticed any head bobbing.
The conclusion was that it does not seem to bother Carter much at this time. If it gets worse, there are options to to surgery and amputate the toe. That may be necessary when he gets older, and it may not be. The vet said to go ahead and let him play as usual, and report any changes to him. He does not think that leaving it as is will necessarily make things worse in the future for Carter. I liked the vet, and am happy no surgery is necessary at this time.
We went to see the orthopedic specialist about Carter's foot this morning to evaluate the bone chip and swelling in his left foot. He agrees that this was not from one single injury, but from arthritic changes over time due to stress on his joint. The vet examined him by carefully manipulating all of his joints in his feet, toes, shoulders and elbows. We also took him outside so he could watch him walk. He wants me to watch for any head bobbing, told me dogs bob in the direction of their good leg, which I did not know. I have not noticed any head bobbing.
The conclusion was that it does not seem to bother Carter much at this time. If it gets worse, there are options to to surgery and amputate the toe. That may be necessary when he gets older, and it may not be. The vet said to go ahead and let him play as usual, and report any changes to him. He does not think that leaving it as is will necessarily make things worse in the future for Carter. I liked the vet, and am happy no surgery is necessary at this time.