What can my boss do to help a huge dog heal?

[luvboyrats]

Months ago my boss took her Mastiff to the vet because of an oozing inflamed foot. They did surgery because they thought it was a tumor, turned out not to be. It's been infected and not healing ever since. They've tried antibiotics and special washes and vet specialists and nothing works. Today they tried another wash and stronger antibiotics with steroids. The next step if this doesn't work is amputation. The poor thing has been in this condition hurting and restrained from walking or running for so long now that her muzzle has gone gray from it and she's very depressed.

Is there anything she can give the dog at home to promote healing? Any kind of special diet or supplement or anything that can promote healing and ease the stress?

[Kendalle]

my guess there must be more too it, such as the dog is licking it open alot, so i would suggest a conehead maybe...

[mulder]

or there's something stuck in his foot. have you tried getting a second opinion?

[meewolflover]

I Would try soaking the foot in Epsom Salts. And use a lot of peroxide on it. Try Vita E on the foot. If the dog is taking vitamins that is good. I would give extra vita-c with them. Zinc is also a healer. The use of natural remedies sometimes work better. I try to use them all of the time.

[marmilla]

I agree with Natalie. A 2nd opinion couldn't hurt. Maybe there is something the other vet isn't thinking of. If there are any vet schools around where you live, maybe she could take her there. They are usually up to date on the latest procedures and may have some extra info.

[Leo]

I would get a 2nd or 3rd or even 4th opinion one of which should be a Vet school (<--click here for a list) before they amputate her foot (When our dog was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2006 we took him to 4 different veterinary practices hoping have an option for treatment/cure made available, unfortunately due to the location they all agreed on one course of action).

I would also suggest calling someone who has a lot of knowledge of mastiff or giant breeds.... the people at gentlegiantsrescue could possibly help you out with suggestions on how to deal with a large breed animal with that type of wound. I know they also sell a specialized food for large breed dogs and they have had great success with extending the lifespan of Great Danes and Mastiffs of the dogs who are fed that formula (I think they had a 20+ year old Great Dane), feeding a proper diet could speed up the healing process, as well as extend her life expectancy

I hope her foot heals properly and that they don't have to amputate.