cut pad rehabilitation

[Jojoe]

I have a 19 month old pup (lab) that has a cut pad on her back left paw. The cut went completely through the pad and was just over an inch wide – lateral (perpendicular to the body of the dog). It happened while hiking in the bush on the Bruce Trail.

The morning after it happened it was stitched up by our vet, using both dissolvable stitches on the interior edge of the laceration and 5/6 removable stitches on the exterior of the wound. It was a clean cut, not a tear. The paw was then packed in gauze, placed in a splint and vet wrapped. Due to the location of the cut, and the hard running we ask our working dogs do, the vet felt that splinting it would allow it a better chance of healing properly. There was only nominal swelling and a week long course of antibiotics has alleviated any thought of infection. She’s had the bandages changed twice and will continue to have them changed regularly for the next two weeks. I’ve been welcome to watch the bandage changes and the wound is not weepy at all – looks good.

The removable stitches come out in one week (14 days after they were put in). The splint and bandages will stay on for a week after the stitches come out to make sure the wound has closed completely. I’m happy with the level of care that my pup has been given. My only concern is that there are no vets in the area (including mine) with experience rehabilitating working dogs.

So, as a community of working dog owners/trainers/handlers, once the splint comes off; how much is too much training and how much is not enough – water work? – easy walks? – walking on pavement to toughen up the repaired pad? Short marks? Spending one week on the end of a two foot lead has her beginning to get antsy. By the end of the third week we’ll both need ‘therapy’.

If you feel more comfortable PMing me please do so.

Cheers

[crockett]

I started Ruby with pavement walks on-leash after the vet said OK (there were no stitches in her case - whatever it was cleaved out a piece of her pad as if with a razor sharp melon-baller, so it was a "hole"). Monitored that on her pavement walks and had to back off for a few days after the scab fell out, then back to the walks to build up and then let her off-leash on grass for a few days and then forgot about it - back to trails and harder terrain. My guess is that it was overkill but better that than the other extreme I'm sure you'll agree!
-Croc

[RedLab]

Sorry to hear that Joejoe, Exactly what Limit and I just went through. My vet wouldn't even stitch it. I was suprised at how fast they heal though. My advise would be soak it in epson salts as often as possible. Let the air at it.
Limit's paw started looking pretty funky after having the bandage on 24/7
I did this by putting half a sock on and securing it with hockey tape. The air will flow through the sock but not the bandages. You might have to put a lamp shade on her though. I went to the states and bought EMT gel and Avery dog boots. You could put a boot on her when you start to train her again. I think the combination of airing the cut and EMT gel really sped the healing process. Good luck Ron, this is a real pain with the nice weather here.


I started Ruby with pavement walks on-leash after the vet said OK (there were no stitches in her case - whatever it was cleaved out a piece of her pad as if with a razor sharp melon-baller, so it was a "hole"). Monitored that on her pavement walks and had to back off for a few days after the scab fell out, then back to the walks to build up and then let her off-leash on grass for a few days and then forgot about it - back to trails and harder terrain. My guess is that it was overkill but better that than the other extreme I'm sure you'll agree!
-Croc

[Lenore]

Those are good ideas. I have one too. I usually start on grass though, then work my way to pavement. You could do both or one and monitor the cut to see how it reacts. My big concern would be the torquing that these dogs due, when they are working, such as getting the bumper then turning extra sharp to come right back, along with pushing off to "hurry" home. I would be afraid that she would turn on that foot causing it to re-open. Just to be safe you could ask your vet how to proceed. You know water work would be ok, keep her swimming to help use up that energy. Once again just be careful of the turning on that foot.

Let us know how it goes! Good luck!

[Retrievers ONLINE]

JoJoe

I obviously haven't seen your dog's cut so I'm not trying to tell you or your vet what to do.

I can tell you that I have had dozens of cut pads and never ever stitched them or even bandaged much. A lot of vets do not try to stitch the bottom of the pads because they rip out so easily. As has been said it is so amazing how dog's pads self heal- Keeping them clean and avoiding infections is important. Most vets do not stitch the bottom Crazy glue is pretty amazing but my best results have come with EMT. I carry 2-4 tubes of it. Bandaging makes the foot soft and prone to slow healing. I walk on lead and during rehab I avoid things like pavement which I find tear a foot up-not toughen! Mother nature is phenomenal.

Just my experience-don't go running off to you vet with this post--just file it away for next time.

Cheers

Dennis

[Jojoe]

Thanks everybody for all the input - received a couple of PMs too.

I'm confident in the vets decision to stitch this cut closed. He had explained to me that usually crazy glue is the method to use but due to the location and orientation of the cut, stitches with protection (splint)were recomended.

EMT gel has not yet found it's way into my first aid kit - that changes, order from Valley Hunting Dog Supplies is pending.

The rehab question: Looks like I'll have to see how it looks once the stitches are removed on Monday. I'll try to get it unwrapped and back in open (but limited) use asap.

My canine owners education continues...

Thanks

[Misty Marsh]

Sorry to hear of your dogs cut pad, that is a tough one to heal, but it looks like your on the right track and well on your way. I have the EMT gel & spray in stock as well as Pad Guard spray, all good stuff to have in the kit. http://stores.mistymarsh.com/Categories.bok?category=First+aid+supplies

[Bryan.M]

One of my dog's first introduction to water resulted in a cut pad,I was horrified.I thought for sure that would destroy any hopes of a good water attitude.The vet glued the cut,gave him some antibiotics,and a couple weeks later he was good to go.

Now I have a hard time getting him out of the water.

Bryan.

[Jojoe]

Stitches were removed yesterday - cut looks good. Splint and bandages stay on at least until Monday (dressing change). We'll be back in the field soon.

Cheers,
Ron

[storm07]

Glad to hear that everything is going to be okay.