May Not Be Nailbed Infection--Could Be Cancer
A post I found that has important info: In May of 2007, my Rottweiler, Moose, was diagnosed with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of his left front distal 3rd phalanye nail bed. We had been treating him for a nail bed infection for a few weeks, but it wasn't healing, so we decided to do a biopsy. Sure enough, cancer. This was a very aggressive, fast-moving cancer. The prognosis for recovery was so poor, I decided we would not try chemo or radiation. Moose's toe was removed about 3 weeks after the diagnosis was made for his comfort only. He was given pain meds as needed. He died December 22, 2007. I want to let everyone know, just in case your dog presents with the same type of thing. Digital SCC is the most common of digital tumors. Usually seen in ages 7-11 years. Approximately 75% affected dogs are large-breed with about 70% having black coats. High risk breeds include giant, standard, and miniature schnauzers; Gordon Setter; standard and miniature poodles; Scottish Terrier; Labradore Retriever; Rottweiler, and Dachshund. Digital SCC involving more than one digit has been reported in 3 related giant schnauzers, and has been seen in other large, black dogs, including standard poodles and Labradore Retreivers. The symptoms may include: lameness, swelling of digit, abnormal nail growth, fractured nail, licking/chewing at the digit. Often, dogs have been treated for chronic nail bed infection with different antibiotics with no improvement. The dog's digit will be painful and swollen with an abnormal or missing toe nail. Biopsy would be the first thing to do, along with pain meds to keep your dog comfortable. Moose had to have his foot bandaged for several months (2 before the sugery to remove the toe and another month or so after.) . After his amputation, the vet kept telling me that the prognosis was still very poor. I knew that, but at least he was more comfortable without the toe. He got along great without it. Hardly any limp at all, then no noticable limp after a month. There is a 95% survival rate for 1 year and a 75% survival rate for 2 years. Moose made it about 7 or 8 months after being diagnoed. He was my heart and it tore me up when he died. Please, most of these tumors go undiagnosed like Moose's for a long time while waiting for the right antibiotic to kill a nail bed infection. Please, please, please, any questionable, antibiotic- resistant digital swelling MUST be biopsied!!!! I'm only trying to save someone else the pain and heartache. I must also say that the reason I made the decision not to go with chemo and radiation was because, bottom line, Moose was going to die from the cancer and I wanted him to enjoy what time he had left without feeling sick all the time. He did, too. Everything was normal up to December 21st, when he began to get really weak and was unable to walk. My son and I had to carry his hulking 135# self back home in a blanket-carry! The next morning, he couldn't eat or drink, couldn't get up. That's when I had to be his best friend and we took him to the vet. It was time. He died with dignity with those he loved around him. I miss him, still.
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