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Digit Amputation in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 04/07/2017Updated: 01/20/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Digit Amputation?
Digit amputation in dogs is an invasive surgical procedure involving the complete removal of the canine’s digit, also called the toe. An amputation will involve cuts made through skin, muscles, nerves, and bone.
Removal of the dewclaw
(comparable to the thumb in humans) to prevent injury in hunting and
working dogs is a form of digit amputation, as are declawing procedures
(which are uncommon in dogs). Conditions that require digit amputation are usually limited to some form of malignant or benign tumor.
Digit Amputation Procedure in Dogs
Prior to amputating the digit, the surgeon will clip and prepare the site for aseptic surgery. The limb of the affected digit will likely have a tourniquet placed to cut off the readily available blood supply circulating to the paw and digits. Once the surgical site is created, the surgeon will proceed to conducting the amputation.
A generous incision will be created to prevent closing tension later in the procedure. Any excessive skin created by this mass incision will be trimmed during the time of wound closing.
Throughout the surgical procedure, a good visualization will be made in reference to bleeding control. All major arteries and veins are doubled ligated to prevent mass hemorrhaging postoperatively. A scalpel blade will be used to cut the muscle of the digit, but only the necessary muscle tissue. If the canine is affected by a digit tumor, some healthy tissues must be removed with the growth to ensure all abnormal cells have been removed. All digital nerves will be gently pulled away, severed, and retracted into fascial planes.
Before the digit bone can be cut, the periosteum is circularly excised to the level of amputation. The outer layer of the bone is cut first to prevent the formation of bone spurs in the digit. The bone is then severed at the joint, or is cut with bone cutters, a Gigli wire, or saw, depending on the veterinarian’s choice or available tools. All bone dust and fragments are then removed. The veterinarian will then close the surgical site with a non-absorbable suture and place the canine in recovery for monitoring purposes.
Efficacy of Digit Amputation in Dogs
Digit amputation is a procedure that successfully removes the toe from the paw. Amputating a digit can also be successful in removing cancerous cell growth from the affected toe and lessening the chance for a recurrence.
Digit Amputation Recovery in Dogs
Following the surgical procedure for digit amputation, the canine will be monitored for hypothermia, pain, and excessive bleeding. The dog will require assistance in standing and walking to prevent bruising the surgical site. At home, the canine will be required to wear an Elizabethan collar and remain in a well-padded area to prevent manipulation of the surgical site. Pain medications and an antibiotic will be administered as directed, in addition to temperature checks every day.
Cost of Digit Amputation in Dogs
The estimated cost for a canine digit amputation is $1500. The price can vary depending on the condition the dog is affected with and aftercare needs.
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Dog Digit Amputation Considerations
Digit amputation in dogs can cause immediate postoperative bleeding beneath the skin, gradually oozing from the surgical site.
In some incidences, massive hemorrhaging has been reported in dogs that receive improper home care or surgical technique. If the bleeding is not associated with a blood vessel, the blood can be aspirated and a pressure bandage is applied.
However, if a blood vessel has been opened, immediate surgical care is required before the dog undergoes major blood loss. Infections are also a possible postoperative consideration that can occur in canines and require prompt veterinary care.
Digit Amputation Prevention in Dogs
Digit amputation in dogs can be avoided if the pet parent decides not to have the dewclaw removed or if other forms of treatment have worked effectively. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used to treat digit tumors if the dog owner is not comfortable with an amputation.
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Digit Amputation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Shih Tzu
Maxi
17 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mass On Digit
My 17 year old baby has a mad on rear middle digit and vet tried cryofreeze but didn't work. Now suggests removing digit as mass has grown and is flared up.Appears to sometimes bother my dog when walking. My concern is the anesthesia and her age. She's healthy otherwise and no one believes she's 17🤗 Your thoughts on the surgery??
April 10, 2018
0 Recommendations
Surgery and anaesthesia would be down to your Veterinarian’s discretion, we have guidelines for surgery but each Veterinarian needs to be comfortable with the patient they are operating on; in patients (cats and dogs) over seven years old or have passed 75% of their expected lifespan we generally look at general health, heart and lung health as well as looking at blood tests results monitoring liver and kidney function, we also consider the type of anaesthesia and look to patient history to look at any issues with anaesthesia or medicines in the past. I cannot say you should or shouldn’t do the surgery, but if the appropriate measures are taken there be no reason the surgery doesn’t go ahead. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 11, 2018
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miniature poodle
Mocha
8 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Discomfort In Paw Digit
I have a miniture poodle with an abnormal nail coming from 1 digit on a ftront paw. The other nails look normal, but this one looks like a piece of wood or bark coming out. We had it Xrayed and the suggestion it to remove the digit and have it sent for analysis for cancer and other ailments. The dog does pull away when you try to touch the paw showing some signs of discomfort, but without pathology, they don't have another suggestion. It seems severe to me but may be the best option. I would appreciate your thoughts.
April 6, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Without seeing Mocha, it is hard for me to comment on this, but if the nail has recently been causing problems, and he seems bothered by it, it may be best to have it removed to make sure that it isn't anything sinister. It might be worth getting a second opinion before deciding on amputation, just to be sure, but that seems like a reasonable option.
April 6, 2018
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Giant Schnauzer
Max
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Discomfort
My dog had his toe amputated coming up on three weeks. The sutures in an area that must have stress because they are not able to hold and continue to pop open. We have had it stapled and the staples pulled through and then had it stitched a third time and those stitches did not hold either. He now has about a quarter sized opening and his foot that goes from looking OK to inflamed tissue almost pushing up through the skin and goopy discharge. We did start antibiotics, But the vet is thinking it’s likely not going to hold since we’ve had so many issues. Any advice on what to do?
We clean up daily, let it air out and then bandaged it back up. I also bought some Veterycin spray to help with healing.....
March 8, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining the paw I cannot say what the best plan may be in this instance; worse case may be that another surgery is required to amputate a bit more to create a good skin flap with healthy margins which would be able to cover the amputation site and as well as having the healthy margins which would be opposed. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 8, 2018
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Labradoodle
Har
9 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Missing 3 Digits From Front Paw
My labradoodle has been missing 3 weeks but came home today with the three middle digits missing from his right front paw. We think he got caught in some sort of trap. He is walking on it though. He has lost a lot of weight. We will take him to the vet when they open but what do you think they will want to do?
March 7, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without seeing the paw and determine which bones are affected I cannot say specifically what they will do; however, if the wound is an old open wound they most likely will try to cut back any dead skin to healthy tissue and may suture the area closed. Depending on severity, the whole paw may be amputated if deemed necessary; again I cannot say without examining the paw. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 7, 2018
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Mini pin
Bertram
4 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
I just rescued a mini pinscher, about 4 yrs old. He is constantly gnawing at his thumb area's. Each place has a scar from a digit amputation surgery by the looks of things, however we will never know his full history as he was found on the street and never claimed, nor chipped. He is constantly licking, and nibbling on these small scars. Could there be nerve damage?
Jan. 6, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is possible that Bertram has nerve damage in this area or there is something else causing irritation in that area which he his going at; I would at first start to discourage the activity of gnawing and even place a cone on him for a while (week or so) to see if that helps. If you cannot get him to stop, visit a Veterinarian for an examination to see if there is anything which they can detect in the area. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 7, 2018
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chihuahua mix
Mochi
3 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Quiet, Tired
I have a three year old chihuahua mix who was attacked by my neighbor’s pit last night. The pit bit off his second digit on his left paw and left it completely exposed. I took Mochi to a 24 hour vet in Bellflower and was completely taken away by their poor service. The vet only glanced at the wound and quickly typed up an estimate of $1175. I’m not sure if that’s the usual cost? The vet did not look at the surrounding tissue or examine the bites on Mochi’s neck or any other injuries that I may have missed. I left and called his home veterinarian until he picked up. Our vet advised that his toe would fall off on its own & if not they would amputate later. He gave him antibiotic and pain medication. My question is, should I follow this advice or should I move forward with the amputation elsewhere? I keep the wound clean and wrap it.
