Wednesday, February 12, 2014

A tale of the shattered toe

A post by the momma:
 
Before I get into the details of Corbin's surgery, I'd like to send out a huge Thank You to everyone for providing support, prayers and experience these past few weeks.  Corbin has sure sent us on a medical roller coaster the past few years, and the support of all his friends has been a huge help for all of us.
 
Corb is resting well.
 
As par for the Corbin course, ripping a toe nail out meant a long road to toe amputation.  That road consisted of many antibiotics, an x-ray and culture to confirm we were treating the correct infection.  Just when we thought we had things under control... Corbin started limping last week and his toe began to grow larger... and larger, and larger.  He was in so much pain, we knew we didn't have any other choice than to remove the toe.  It was a risk, since we were thinking it was some sort of vicious, resistant infection... and if the infection had spread to his foot, we would be in quite a bit of trouble.  Dr. Mike fit Corbin in the next day for his surgery.  
 
 
Corbin's heart condition always makes putting him under for surgery concerning.  There wasn't an issue last year when he had his tail amputations, but this time, his heart was a bit unsteady.  He had lots of people watching to make sure it was safe for them to continue with the surgery - but Corbin sure doesn't make things easy!  His heart was stable enough, so they continued with the surgery.  It took a bit longer than planned, but we successful. 
 
Toe x-ray
 
Dr. Mike took Corbin's toe to radiation and x-rayed it.  What he found was that the last bone in Corbin's toe was completely shattered.  I can't imagine how much pain he must have been in.  We're not sure when it shattered or why it shattered.  His culture came back today negative for any infections - which doesn't necessary mean it wasn't originally caused by infection, but thankfully, any infection seems to be cleared out.  Corbin will continue antibiotics, just to be sure. 
 
Beds + Sun Puddles = Happy Corbin
 
His toe was sent out for biopsy and we're still waiting on the results of that.  I will be most relieved if we could rule out bone cancer and cough this break up to something bizarre or infection.  We have a follow up appointment tomorrow to change the bandage and to see how he is healing.  Corbin is already on 5mg of Prednisone once a day, which will help with any inflammation.  We added a nerve blocker to his pill box to help with the pain a bit, but no pain meds.  Corbin shouldn't be using his foot too much, and our fear if we load him with pain meds, he'll overuse his foot and cause the stitches to rip.  He's dealing pretty well and I don't feel he's in a lot of pain overall.  He's also been good about being on the lazy side and snoozing on the couch.
 
At least he looks good!
 
Those of you who have been around for the past year will remember our horrible time keeping Corbin away from his tail after his amputation surgeries.  The second surgery was needed because he broke free of his restraints and ripped his tail open twice, even on tranquillizers, and pain meds.  With his heart being a bit unsteady when they put him under this time, we decided not to use tranquillizers.  So, Corbin is in his neck brace, sweatshirt and boots.  We had him in a basket muzzle also, because we were afraid he could still reach his foot... but after a day of that, we stopped.  He hated it and he really can't reach his foot, nor does he try.  Hopefully that doesn't bite me in the ass later on!
 
But, all and all, everything went rather well.  I'm glad we decided to remove the toe because a break like that would have never healed.  Hopefully we'll have more news to report soon about the biopsy results.  Thanks to all of you for sticking with us and loving my big brown Corbee Doo!

25 comments:

  1. Well dun Momma….I fink he haz da best of cares and luvs….we send best for speedee recovery

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  2. Corbin, I am sorry... I didn't know all this..l but your mom is right, you look great. Hang in there....you are such a fighter my friend

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  3. Okay Corbee listen up - no more ouchies !!! you have had your fair share of them and now it is time to just chill out and be happy for the rest of your life. No more scaring your folks....you have so many adventures to look forward too - the lake is waiting. Be a good guy and heal quickly okay

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  4. Glad to hear that the surgery went well. Hopefully that toe was just a freak thing, and not a bigger issue. Corbin, be a good chap and listen to your Mom - you want to get healthy quick - even if you are quite dashing in your sweatshirt and boots!

    *kissey face*
    -Fiona and Abby the Hippobottomus

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  5. Oh Corbin, you just love putting your poor momma through the ringer, don't you?? Let's make this the last medical miracle you pull off for a little while, okay? Feel better soon!

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  6. Corbin, we agree with Fi and Abby - you doo look quite dashing! Kinda like Hugh Hefner!!

    -Bart, Otto and Ruby

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  7. You do look quite handsome Cobin. We are all sending your our best healing purrs pal.

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  8. Corbin we are thrilled that you have gotten this behind you... like the multiple tail ectomies... so NOW.... let that be the LAST thingy that they Steal from you... You have been through enough. RIGHT buddy?
    NO MORE STEALING CORBIE PARTS...

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  9. I'm so glad the surgery went well and that you're healing up nicely Corbin. Sending more get well smooches your way!

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  10. Wow! That x-ray looks awful! Thank goodness you were able to get him into surgery right away! Corbee certainly keeps things interesting, huh?

    Emily @ Our Waldo Bungie
    www.ourwaldobungie.com

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  11. Love you, Corbin! You get better quick, now that your broken toe is gone. All good from here!

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  12. I'm glad it went well and hope that there isn't anything scary in the biopsy. Corbin isn't the most patient chap when it comes to healing and I'm sure he is going to test you. Just remember, it's temporary (even though some days it will seem like forever).

    Mango Momma

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  13. That's such great news. The crackery in Corbin sure is hard on his gorgeous bod! It's heartbreaking to keep a cracker contained but sometimes it takes extra measures for his own good! But I'd be sure to have the treats ready when he's back to himself... and maybe some extra padding on your own hinie just in case he wants to get even! Glad he's doing well.

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  14. Oh my goodness. You poor doggie! Glad to heart the surgery went well and hope you continue to get well, Corbin. Much love, The Scottie Mom.

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  15. Wow, poor Corbin. You all have certainly been through the ringer. I hope he keeps up the good work ignoring his foot for you and that you hear only good news from the vet very soon.

    He is pretty styling in his outfit though. ;)

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  16. Leave it to The Corbin to look utterly handsome in a neck cone!

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  17. Poor Corbin! Hope he feels better soon.
    He rocks the neck brace & hoodie combo!

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  18. I'm so glad that the news so far has been good and that Corbin is healing. Fingers crossed for good biopsy news!

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  19. I keep reading the updates and facebook and forgetting to stop by and comment on your blog. I'm so glad that the news looks good for The Corbin. He has a big place in my heart and I hope he'll heal up quickly without any problems.

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  20. WoW! I have been a little behind in my blog reading and was so surprised to hear this news. So glad the surgery went well and I hope Corbin is feeling better in no time. Poor baby! He sure has been through the ringer, hasn't he? :) 24 Paws crossed for Corbin and you.

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  21. We agree with the others, Corbin - you've had more than enough surgeries! We're sending tons of healing thoughts your way!

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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