How long does it take for an infection to get into the joint?

Demolition_Derby

Demolition_Derby

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Ruby cut her paw yesterday lunchtime, looks like it was from glass as the wound (quite small) is very neat and 'sliced'
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. I salt-watered it as soon as it happened and then again a few more times until we went to bed. She was holding it up in the air yesterday
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but this morning was happily trotting around the house so I bandaged it and took her up to the yard, she was fine up there but when I got home and removed the bandage it was really, really hot and swollen. Its obviously infected so I rang the vet and he has left some A/Bs in reception for me to pick up but told me that he is surprised that it has swollen so much in such a short space of time
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. I wondered whether it was just because the actual cut is between two 'toes' so its constantly being rubbed but now I am worried that her joint is infected, but surely it would take longer than 18hours for that to happen?
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Sorry, hope thats not too much waffling but I'm getting completely OTT about this! Dogs can cope on three legs, right?....
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That sounds highly unlikely to me, but I am not medically trained. What did your vet say? I would imagine that the cut is in an awkward area and keeps getting agravated.

What is the dog like in himself? A serious infection causes fever, lethargy etc.? If he seems OK in himself try not to worry too much. Give the antibiotics 24 hours to work - you should see an immediate difference.

If there is no improvement in 48 hours, talk to your vet about switching to different anti-biotics, but I think you are a long way off a bone infection.
 
Thank you both, I needed that (a slap round the face would of helped too
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!!)

I know you're right, thank you
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. The vet what you said - give the A/B's 24hrs to kick in and 48hrs to make a noticable difference then we will re-assess if needs be. She is eating/drinking/playing/managing to jump on the sofa fine
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, it just shocked me how hot and swollen it was!
 
Sometimes bandages can cause swelling......if put on to tight or u bandaged the paw tightly and not a little way up the leg aswell.......let it air now and keep it clean, im sure she will be fine.....cut pads are tricky and very sore, jsut keep it clean and put a sock on if she licks at it, and keep an eye on it.
 
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Don't panic! Don't panic! I am sure she will be fine x

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Thank you x. I will hold you responsible should her leg fall off....
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Cayla - I did try to bandage it as loose as possible but the sock is a fantastic idea, thank you
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