Split paw (photos included)

Hello all,

I haven't been about for a while but wondered if any of you had experienced this? Bug injured her paw pad on a walk about a month ago - vet checked it out and said to leave it alone but restrict exercise to lead walks and all should be fine. It healed well, but she seems to have re-opened the injured the paw again (about a week ago). I came home after leaving her for about 2 hours to go for dinner and she had chewed all of the skin around the injury leaving a large sore spot. I spoke to my vet on the phone and he isn't at all concerned, so I have followed the same instructions again and it was healing really well, but today my partner let her off lead ( ) and she has come home and chewed it again, taking it back to square one. I gave her some pain relief that I had left from the vets and salt water soak/manuka honey'd it. But she is repeatedly kicking out her back leg this afternoon whilst lying down as if it's irritating her.

I have tried boots on a walk, wrapping it in a bandage but she pulls both off. I have a cone of shame if it comes to it but she hasn't touched it over the past week whilst it has been healing - until today (Also, aware her nails are long but cannot get near that foot at the moment)


Any ideas?

Ouch. That looks sore. The outer tough skin's completely gone, hasn't it, leaving it very exposed. Clearly each time she puts weight on it, the scar will be stretched as well. I wonder if what appears to be healed on the outside is deceptive, and that it needs longer for the tissues to mesh fully on the inside, and get some of that pad regrowing.

Rest and more rest is the only thing I can think of, other than a trip to the vet to get him to have another look at it.

Thanks Liz! I'm in the process of changing vets so I'm planning to get a second opinion, I feel mine is being a little blasé about it? Hoping to get a consult tomorrow eve. I do agree, I hate putting her on rest as she really hates being stuck in but I think it's going to be the kindest thing for now. In typical Staffie style she forgets about it when she's out but suffers when she gets home! xx

i would continue to keep bis paw clean with salt water, never had this with mia but if i wasn't satisfied id also get a second opinion as i did with mias cyst on her side hope she heals quickly

A second opinion's a good idea. It may be that there is something preventing the healing.

I know what you mean about rest not being nice and of course you can't explain to them why they can't go for a good long walk. Make up lots of activity toys - just hiding treats around a room for her to find and that sort of thing - and maybe get your clicker out and teach her some tricks. Keeping the mind exercised can go a long way to alleviating the boredom. Not that I need to tell you that but just in case.

Hi just wondered if there was any improvement in bug's paws ?

Are damaged pads like this a common problem in dogs ?
I’ve also been reading that alot of people buy shoes and/or socks to treat this kind of problem.

I don't think it's uncommon, my Flo had something similar after she had back surgery, she wa kind of twisting her paw as she walked

Her specialist gave us what I can only describe as a very thick small balloon to put over her paw, it did the trick whilst it healed

That sounds a better idea than those blasted boots that never stay on.

Foot injuries are sadly all too common, especially with breeds that act first and think later (if at all)