INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT LUXATIONS
Luxation of the proximal or distal interphalangeal joints is rare and when it occurs tends to be in racing greyhounds or field trial dogs.


CLINICAL PRESENTATION
In most instances the joint luxates dorsally and results in a very prominent "knocked-up" appearance. Palpation demonstrates a swollen, painful joint and the obvious deformity of the luxation. Dogs will favor the foot but bear weight. Radiographs are used to confirm that no fractures are present (Figs. 26-6 and 26-7).


REDUCTION AND FIXATION
Closed reduction with splints or casts fails. It is impossible to properly maintain the joint in a reduced position. Nonathletic animals may adapt and walk well with the luxation.
Attempts at internal fixation using wires have been made; however, most are unsuccessful. Attempts to repair torn capsule or collateral ligaments have been reported,(2) but such procedures are difficult. The treatment of choice is interphalangeal arthrodesis. The joint must be aligned carefully to allow normal position. Even this procedure often fails under stress, with weight bearing causing a high rate of metal failure. Amputation of the affected digit is often the only successful method of treatment.


COMPLICATIONS
The main complication of interphalangeal joint luxation is fixation failure. In an athletic dog amputation is best. Pet animals have a good prognosis even if no treatment is given. Most dogs will continue to favor the limb but will walk and function at a near normal level.

The only thing I would say is if it is knocked it can be painful for day or two and in agility is that likely to occur often ?

When Dillon knocked his the other weekend acting like a loony coming in from the garden and knocked it on the lip to the back door he wouldn't weight bear on it for a while and I gave him a reduced dose of Rymadil and the next day he was fine.

This is what I was thinking. Poor Dillion and K. It must be horrible to have sore toes. It just seems a big descison to make as to whether to take off the toe. Im useless at descisons