Infected Nail

[gertrudesmom]

Hello, I am new to the group and need some advice. My 12 year old Boston Terrier has been diabetic now for 4 years. I feel bad because a couple of weeks ago her paw was bleeding and I did not take note of it, I cleaned it and went on with my day.

Today, it was bleeding again a little so I looked at it and noticed that the toe nail and the pad is somewhat swollen and looks a bit infected. I don't have money for a vet right now since I am unemployed and her meds take up what spare cash I do have, but I do have antibiotics from a really bad urinary tract infection she had a few months ago (she was urinated pure blood).

I have started her on them again, I have enough for two weeks. I am wondering what else I might do.

Anyone have had simular medial problems?

Gertrudes Mom

[k9diabetes]

Re: Infected Nail

I would clean it very gently if she will let you with mild soap and water and then you can apply a topical ointment if it's not a deep infection - something like neopolydex.

I have used hydrogen peroxide diluted 50/50 before BUT my vet does not recommend using it as he feels it can damage the skin. So he really strongly wanted me to stay away from using that.

If it doesn't look significantly better in a day or two, she will need vet attention because an antibiotic for a UTI might have no effect on whatever is infecting the toe.

Does she chew on it?

If she's worrying it, find a way to keep her out of it. That should help also.

Natalie

[gertrudesmom]

Re: Infected Nail

Thanks for the advice, I already used peroxide, I will stay away from that. No, she does not bite at the wound she is really good about that. I will take your advice and if it does not improve in a couple of days I will take her in. I know the anti biotic is a potent one but your right I did not think it might be the right one.

Just the thought of losing her, I hate to think it. She is the longest living Boston I ever had, the most stubborn at that.

Thanks alot.....Barbara

[ozzi]

Re: Infected Nail

Hi Gertrude's Mom,
What antibiotic are you giving her? These types of infections are usually caused by staph or strep and not all antibiotics work well for skin/paw infections. If it's amoxicillin or even better, augmentin, that will probably help. If it's bactrim or another sulfa drug (often used for UTI's), I don't think it will have much of an effect. Can you monitor her temperature? As you know, diabetics have a higher risk of infection, so you want to make sure she doesn't develop increased local swelling, redness, discharge or fever. One more thought...definitely watch her blood sugar if you can, because infections can increase blood sugars.

[gertrudesmom]

Re: Infected Nail

Hi Ozzie, the medicine is clavavox 250 mg. In the afternoon her sugars have been running high around 500 I know bad. Her grandmother keeps giving her treats and she is always hungry.

I felt bad last night I noticed one of her nails was growing downward into her bad I was able to remove it and now there is one more which I need to get a different clippers to help trim it.

[ozzi]

Re: Infected Nail

Clavamox is augmentin in human terms (amoxicillin + clavulanate). It is a VERY strong antibiotic and should work well for her toe/paw infection. If you start it, you should complete a 10 day course. Do not stop it sooner if she is improving. You should see some improvement within 1-2 days, BUT if there are additional signs of increased swelling, redness, drainage, pain or fever, she would need to be seen. Sometimes these things can abscess and require incision and drainage..hopefully not!

If she has an infection or is on antibiotics, you can expect higher than usual blood sugars, so this is definitely the time to NOT give her a ton of traditional treats. Can you explain to her grandmother that this is actually hurting her and maybe boil up some boneless skinless chicken or give her some green beans for a treat? I bet if grandma understands that this is causing damage to her baby, she won't continue, especially if she has a better substitute like the chicken or green beans! Also, with higher blood sugars, dogs usually will become more thirsty and more hungry, so this is to be expected.
Good luck and let us know how it goes,
Kevin