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Pebbles, a Tibetan Terrier, had a history of corns (an
extremely painful area of thickened skin which can form
on your feet). The sensation of which could be likened to
“ having a stone in your shoe”. They had been
successfully removed on several previous occasions by my
colleague Terry Dunne.
After repeated bouts of regrowth it was finally decided
to “cut” Pebbles’ losses and amputate the
affected digit. Consequently, Pebbles has remained trouble
free for several years.
On Tuesday, Pebbles had to visit the Fairfield Veterinary
Centre again as two days earlier she became suddenly very
lame on her left front foot, exactly the same foot as had
been affected previously. The owner was extremely concerned
that it could be a recurrence of the same problem and the
prospect of further amputation was a genuine worry.
Despite her unique history, the more common causes of acute
lameness had to be excluded first. So I started shaving
her fur in between her toes to make sure there were no wounds
caused by thorns or other sharp objects. The only thing
I found to be of clinical significance was an area of marked
pain and inflammation around the outer toe.
Because of the severe pain I decided to take an X-ray to
check for further diagnostic information. And guess what....
One of her toes had a beautiful fracture! A “lucky”
break you might say as her long term future was now excellent
with an appropriate supportive dressing and she would be
keeping her remaining toes!
Michèle Lampens, MVM, MRCVS
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