We have a 2 yr. old brittany english pointer cross, Charlie. Around Labor Day we now think he dislocated his far left toe on his front left foot. At first we thought he had something in it, but couldn't find anything. Never festered, kinda got better, but then started packing it again a week later. Went to the vet, advised limited outside running (right!) gave us antibiotics as 'insurance' but no anti-inflammatory. Said regardless of what x-rays would show the procedure would be the same, so no x-rays. Got better again and then got worse again. Visiting in eastern Neb. so went to a lady vet who boards the world's biggest pack of bloodhounds. What a welcoming committee! She thought dislocation, recommended boots, anti-inflammatory, and possible amputation if it keeps happening. She said he doesn't need that toe much, and it's not as big a deal as it first sounds.

Got Jim's Dog Boots from gundog supply. Read up on toenail trimming with a rotary tool, and the training procedure to get Charlie to go along with it.

Well, the boots work great. They haven't come off in his favorite mudhole and we're still learning how to fold the tops prior to strapping, and how tight to do the velcro strap, but it's going good.

He took to the Dremel training well, and now seems to enjoy the trimming even. His digits are long and narrow, and so are his nails. I figured everything we can to keep from snagging that toe and dislocating again is what we have got to do and both boots and short nails have to help.

Any advice is welcome!
Wallypedal