Chronic Nail Bed Infection

Re: Chronic Nail Bed Infection

Bob Russell — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:38:29 GMT

Never had particular problems with gut upsets with clindamycin. It can cause severe diarrhoea in man (I believe related to overgrowth of Clostridia) but much more rarely in dogs and cats.

Not sure about other peoples experiences with its use in dogs but I have few concerns in using it. I do however warn owners that it may cause diarrhoea.

It can work well where other antibiotics have failed!

Re: Chronic Nail Bed Infection

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:06:10 GMT

[quote user="Charlotte Lusted"]so was after any other ideas before going for biopsy - his owner isn't too keen on the idea of him loosing a toe either.[/quote]

If the front dew claw is affected then you can send that rather than a proper toe! So obvious when you think about it, but had to have it pointed out to me.

Re: Chronic Nail Bed Infection

Charlie Lyon — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:43:17 GMT

The swab taken a couple of weeks ago didn't show any yeast growth.

Haven't actually tried antirobe yet as was going on culture results - just whether it will give him a gut upset or not is the issue - would be worth a go though.

Already using a soft toothbrush to get in the cracks with malaseb as was concerned re any fungal growth.

Not sure we have access to Vet Derm at our practice? Will give antirobe and chlorhexidine washes a go before biopsy I think - will offer blood work and see if the O is interested, but no other problems at present. Thanks for the advice all.

Re: Chronic Nail Bed Infection

Rob Loxley — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:05:21 GMT

[quote user="Charlotte Lusted"]before going for biopsy - his owner isn't too keen on the idea of him losing a toe either[/quote]

[quote user="Charlotte Lusted"]I guess the only way to get a proper diagnosis would be to amputate the whole nail rather than just a section along the nail bed?[/quote]

Look up the paper ononychobiopsy without onychectomy in Vet Derm.

Re: Chronic Nail Bed Infection

Edward Jones — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:43:49 GMT

Anecdotally - I've found clindamycin has succeeded where other antibiotics have previously failed. Perhaps an extended course of 11mg/kg antirobe would be useful (assuming this hasn't already been done!).

Re: Chronic Nail Bed Infection

elizabethellison — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:22:30 GMT

This may not be relevant to your case but I have recently had a case of a 13yr old male cocker spanial with repeated nail bed and feet infections that had been swabbed and treated with various ABs and topicals. It improved but never cleared and then recently the dog developed horrible sore crusting skin lesions around his eyes, nose, lips and anus. I was concerned about an autoimmune condition. Bloods revealed liver disease and I also took skin biopsies and the lab suggested hepatocutaneaous syndrome which is very rare (I've been practising for 16yrs and never seen a case before). It might be worth doing full bloods.

Re: Chronic Nail Bed Infection

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:52:37 GMT

I presume you've eliminated fungal infection. Nail bed infections can be frustrating especially with anaerobes as antibiotic cant get to the areas with poor blood supply around the keratinised part of the nail. I've found twice daily bathing with chlorhexidine to be effective, getting right down into the base of the nail with a cotton bud or paint brush but sometimes the only answer is to amputate the nail bed.