Ragdoll Cat Forums

I think this is the 3rd time I've posted about this.... but Dexter is having more toenail problems! His toenail that was all of the sudden missing now looks infected. He's been on antibiotics for two weeks now and last night was supposed to be his last time. Today his nail is bleeding and looks like there's pus coming out of it. It also smells. I'm so frustrated I just don't know what to do! I gave him the antibiotic again today because I figured it wouldn't hurt. If I take him back tomorrow I know the vet will want to put him to sleep to either do a good cleaning or possibly remove it?? I can't remember exactly what he said last time.

AND I'm supposed to leave for a wedding on Friday that's 8 hours away and was going to be gone for the weekend. So obviously I am not leaving him if something is going on (also, I've NEVER left them for more than one night, I was already nervous about it). I'm supposed to work tomorrow and Friday so I think I'll have to call in to work tomorrow so I can bring him in to the vet... I'm sooo frustrated! I feel sad for him because I don't want him to be in pain, I don't want to have to put him through another office visit, possible anesthesia and who knows what else! And I feel rushed because I have to make all these decisions tonight.... ughhhh!

My poor little baby

Oh Lyndsey, I am SO sorry to hear this!! We seem to be having a small run on fur baby health issues right now. It sounds like he definitely needs some immediate medical help, how odd that this happened while on antibiotics! What a dilemna for you, I don't have any advice but I really hope that things work out so you can attend the wedding. Wish I could Dexy sit for you!!

Particularly when an infection does not seem to be responding to meds, you need to keep the vet involved and let the additional meds or procedures needed be done timely.

Did your vet prescribe topical antibiotics, or are they taken internally? Maybe it is best that he go under while they clean it up and bandage it up--infections can get really serious really quickly, as they can penetrate blood vessels and spread toxins throughout the bloodstream (even if it seems like a small infection) and i would think it would be best to get it taken care of immediatly, esspecially if you can smell it--even if it means taking Dex to the vet again, and him having to have minor surgery on his claw. It seems like he keeps re-injuring it. Im so sorry that all this has to take place the weekend of a wedding! poor you AND Dexter!!

(02-17-2010 09:43 PM)JanH Wrote: [ -> ]Particularly when an infection does not seem to be responding to meds, you need to keep the vet involved and let the additional meds or procedures needed be done timely.

These were my thoughts too...

Would they actually remove the toenail if need be? And is this considered declawing or is it different?

---

(02-17-2010 09:46 PM)frog8629 Wrote: [ -> ]Did your vet prescribe topical antibiotics, or are they taken internally? Maybe it is best that he go under while they clean it up and bandage it up--infections can get really serious really quickly, as they can penetrate blood vessels and spread toxins throughout the bloodstream and i would think it would be best to get it taken care of immediatly, esspecially if you can smell it--even if it means taking Dex to the vet again, and him having to have minor surgery on his claw. It seems like he keeps re-injuring it. Im so sorry that all this has to take place the weekend of a wedding! poor you AND Dexter!!

He was prescribed oral antibiotics. Clavamox.. which is used to treat alot of different infections, including wound infections/abscesses. That's why it worries me that the claw still became infected. I know, I feel so sad for my babe

I'd like to baby sit him too, Kitty. Lindz knows better b/c she might not get him back
Seriously, it sounds like it's getting worse while on antibiotics, poor Dexter!
I hope you get it settled in time to do the wedding. Do you have anybody who can stay with him?

(02-17-2010 09:53 PM)KatLeen Wrote: [ -> ]I'd like to baby sit him too, Kitty. Lindz knows better b/c she might not get him back
Seriously, it sounds like it's getting worse while on antibiotics, poor Dexter!
I hope you get it settled in time to do the wedding. Do you have anybody who can stay with him?

I have a roommate, but I still don't think I could leave him. She loves my cats to death, and I completely trust her with them but she wouldn't know what to look for if the infection got worse or what to do. And I'd be so worried the whole time...

I'm so sorry all of this is happening now for you. Seems like that's the way it goes sometimes, but it also sounds like you have your priorities right (although be prepared for those who can't understand because "it's just a cat"). It is concerning that the other toenail became more inflammed while on antibiotics. Hopefully the vet will be able to set things right for him tomorrow and get him on the road to recovery.

Hi Lindsey,

Just wanted to tell you that I am sorry Dex is still having trouble with his nail. Please keep us posted on how he is doing.

(02-17-2010 10:10 PM)TeresaK Wrote: [ -> ]I'm so sorry all of this is happening now for you. Seems like that's the way it goes sometimes, but it also sounds like you have your priorities right (although be prepared for those who can't understand because "it's just a cat"). It is concerning that the other toenail became more inflammed while on antibiotics. Hopefully the vet will be able to set things right for him tomorrow and get him on the road to recovery.

I know T, I'm trying to think of how I'm going to justify my day off to my supervisor.. People really don't understand. But there's no one else who can take him, and it's something I can't really wait on either. Thanks for the well wishes