Know what i would do?

Ignore EVERYTHING your ex says... he is so full of BS and a little salt and vinegar to boot. I think your right, Jasper IS hurt and thats why he needs attention. Dogs have feelings too. Your instincts are right. Do you still have some of the antibiotic ointment? Or that great polstice you put on it before? Put either one of those on the little infected looking spots and see if that doesnt help. I think if it were deeper than the skin there would a been more problems by now-like toes actually turning black. Its possible when the pain is less that he runs on all 4s and when hes hurting more he only uses 3. But dogs do "behavioraly" learn...in other words, if he has gotten more attention when he walks on 3 than 4 he will learn he gets more attention when he does this.

The little sponge is called oasis...I used to be a florist. Now i am a floral designer of dried/preserved flowers-wreaths and stuff for decorating the house.

cheryl