My friend has a 10 year old, 90 pound German Shepherd named Sam. His back feet have sores that are *beep* and a bit bloody. The pads are cracked and he has some trouble walking because of this.
Her vet recommended thyroid tests and he does have "thyroid problems" so vet put him on some meds 2 weeks ago. She did not say what the meds were, but she said after 2 weeks he was no better.
The feet are not itchy, he does not chew or lick them. They are just sore and a mess. Only the rear feet are affected.
The only thing I could think of was allergy. We live in Massachusetts and it has been uncommonly wet here for months. I thought perhaps he had some kind of mold or fungus infection? But wouldn't the vet have caught that? And why only the back feet?
Anyway, that's all the info I have. She is thinking of putting him down because of his age and her finances unless the problem clears up.
So my question is do you think thyroid is the answer? Could it clear up? What meds should she ask for?
Thanks for any help, I know this is probably too vague, but thanks for trying!
After coming very close to having the dog put down, they put him on Prednizone (sp?) and he is almost healed, walking fine! He is eating like a horse, tho, so she's being careful with the food. He is an "outdoor" dog so if he urinates as a side effect, it won't be too much of a problem.
Dog with sore feet---UPDATE!
Re: Dog with sore feet
oops! I tried to write p u s s y, as in pus, but the censor caught it, LOL!
Re: Dog with sore feet
It may be related to hypothyroidism but it could take up to 6 months after starting thyroid replacement therapy for any noticable improvement.
Other possibilities could be a circulation problem or (and I think this is more likely) a nerve deficit in the hind quarters. Shepherds are prone to Degenerative Myelopathy as they get older and this condition effects the hind quarters first.
Here's some info on DM:
http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0159.htm
http://www.grunfeldshepherds.com/page64.html
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm
Other possibilities could be a circulation problem or (and I think this is more likely) a nerve deficit in the hind quarters. Shepherds are prone to Degenerative Myelopathy as they get older and this condition effects the hind quarters first.
Here's some info on DM:
http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0159.htm
http://www.grunfeldshepherds.com/page64.html
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm
Re: Dog with sore feet
I'd first retest the thyroid levels on the offchance the meds need to be adjusted, this can be a common problem when first regulating thyroid medication.
I'd next suggest testing for fungal disease, starting with a culture, then opting for an autoimmune blood profile. If the owner doesn't feel the current vet is being thorough, its time to see a new vet promptly for a second opinion.
I'd next suggest testing for fungal disease, starting with a culture, then opting for an autoimmune blood profile. If the owner doesn't feel the current vet is being thorough, its time to see a new vet promptly for a second opinion.
..........Traci
Re: Dog with sore feet
Is the dog an indoor dog, and does he spend any time on a rough surface? (concrete, brick patio, pool deck, etc). My dogs get their feet torn up on my pool deck - even if I let them run around on it just a little.
Since there is obvious pus, there is most likely a bacterial infection. This is probably complicating whatever the actual cause of the problem is (fungal infection, allergy, abrasiveness, poor circulation, etc.)
Since there is obvious pus, there is most likely a bacterial infection. This is probably complicating whatever the actual cause of the problem is (fungal infection, allergy, abrasiveness, poor circulation, etc.)
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: Dog with sore feet
Thank you all for replying! I have passed along your replies and will keep you posted on the outcome.
-
Doglady
Re: Dog with sore feet
I agree with what others have said about the possibilty of a fungal disease (not uncommon) and also about thyroid testing. Some dogs who scratch at the soil with their rear paws (like after pooping, etc.) have a problem with fungal diseases. I have a client with a rott that has this problem, and it is also immune system related, so he's getting injections again.
As far as GSD DM is concerned, there's not enough information in your post that would indicate DM. I have a GSD/Dobe who has GSD DM, and has had it for four years. She is now over 17 years. As a rule, when the weakness sets in in the rear legs, they drag their paws, the toes curl under and they scrape the top of their toes. You didn't mention, and probably don't know, if he has difficulty raising himself from the floor, is unable to stand for any great length of time, or has difficulty going up any stairs, or suddenly falling down. Some DM dogs will chew their paws, when they feel a tingling sensation due to this disease, but you mentioned he's not doing that.
There is specific testing for DM. Send your friend the link that jdf posted below to you (is the last link posted) for neurovetmed, university of Florida, which is on Dr. Clemmon's site. He is a veterinary neurologist who has done much research on this disease. Every GSD owner should know about this disease, so they are aware of it. If DM is suspected, then a visit to a veterinary neurologist is the way to go, rather than a regular vet. Few regular vets know much about this disease, and often misdiagnose it (other diseases mimic DM) or totally miss it...been there.
As far as GSD DM is concerned, there's not enough information in your post that would indicate DM. I have a GSD/Dobe who has GSD DM, and has had it for four years. She is now over 17 years. As a rule, when the weakness sets in in the rear legs, they drag their paws, the toes curl under and they scrape the top of their toes. You didn't mention, and probably don't know, if he has difficulty raising himself from the floor, is unable to stand for any great length of time, or has difficulty going up any stairs, or suddenly falling down. Some DM dogs will chew their paws, when they feel a tingling sensation due to this disease, but you mentioned he's not doing that.
There is specific testing for DM. Send your friend the link that jdf posted below to you (is the last link posted) for neurovetmed, university of Florida, which is on Dr. Clemmon's site. He is a veterinary neurologist who has done much research on this disease. Every GSD owner should know about this disease, so they are aware of it. If DM is suspected, then a visit to a veterinary neurologist is the way to go, rather than a regular vet. Few regular vets know much about this disease, and often misdiagnose it (other diseases mimic DM) or totally miss it...been there.
Re: Dog with sore feet---UPDATE!
After coming very close to having the dog put down, they put him on Prednizone (sp?) and he is almost healed, walking fine! He is eating like a horse, tho, so she's being careful with the food. He is an "outdoor" dog so if he urinates as a side effect, it won't be too much of a problem.