Cut in pad, advice??

weLoveFenris · #1 02-10-10, 12:29 PM

Well Dylan has had a little injury.

We were playing fetch in the field when I noticed his foot was bleeding, moderately heavily. He did not seem bothered by it at all. Didnt even limp, as we quickly walked back home so I could take a closer looks.

It appears one of the bottom pads on his front left paw has sliced open; looks like he has stepped on something sharp. There is nothing in the wound, so I bandaged it up with some stuff I had around the house (kitchen towel soaked in TCP, strapped on with duct tape).

When the other half came home she had some proper bandages, cleaning equipment, etc. that she got from pets at home. At this point I had already managed to stop the bleeding completely, and at that point it just bled a bit when he tried to stand on it.

We have kept him bandaged overnight and with a little boot thing on top of the bandage. It is not bleeding at all anymore unless alot of pressure is applied.

I read around online and it seems most people are saying this sort of injury heals by itself, and quickly at that. However I would like an opinion from you lot whether you think we should take him to the vet to have it closed up properly.

Tedsmum · #2 02-10-10, 12:39 PM

If it actually on the pad itself, it is doubtful that the vet would stitch it up. Pads are so tough they dont stitch well and will heal up without. If it is between the toes it could be stitched if need be.
I think personally I would leave it now, keep it protected and bathe twice a day in warm salty water to keep it clean. Obviously if it gets worse, swollen or he starts to limp, seek a vets advice asap. x

weLoveFenris · #3 02-10-10, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tedsmum

If it actually on the pad itself, it is doubtful that the vet would stitch it up. Pads are so tough they dont stitch well and will heal up without. If it is between the toes it could be stitched if need be.
I think personally I would leave it now, keep it protected and bathe twice a day in warm salty water to keep it clean. Obviously if it gets worse, swollen or he starts to limp, seek a vets advice asap. x

Thanks

We are keeping a very close eye on him, didnt sleep most of the night, hes been very good, just acts like its nothing

He has realised its best for him to lie down, so thats what hes done, but hes ok to go outside for a wee and stuff as well, and to go eat from his bowl.

Stuart · #4 02-10-10, 02:21 PM

I wouldnt have even bandaged it, that will just make it so that Dylan will want to take it off,.. you will get this type of injury from time to time, just clean it and keep an eye on it,..Pads are very robust

weLoveFenris · #5 02-10-10, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart

I wouldnt have even bandaged it, that will just make it so that Dylan will want to take it off,.. you will get this type of injury from time to time, just clean it and keep an eye on it,..Pads are very robust

We just worry is all! He is limping a bit but I suspect its only because he has the little boot on. He gets up the stairs and everything. I think by tonight we should be able to take the bandage off and have him walk normally again

Caryll · #6 02-10-10, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tedsmum

If it actually on the pad itself, it is doubtful that the vet would stitch it up. Pads are so tough they dont stitch well and will heal up without. If it is between the toes it could be stitched if need be.
I think personally I would leave it now, keep it protected and bathe twice a day in warm salty water to keep it clean. Obviously if it gets worse, swollen or he starts to limp, seek a vets advice asap. x

Ditto!

DelsMum · #7 02-10-10, 09:26 PM

If I had a pound for every time my jerry lee sliced his feet open I'd be soooo rich by now! If its deep you might have to rest him or just do lead walks for a couple of days as if he gets excited and runs around on it he might keep opening it up again.

lauraburns · #8 02-10-10, 10:47 PM

Must be something in the air! Ozzie has managed to do himself a mischief today! He has somehow skinned his leg just below the pad on his leg if you get me. I have cleaned it and bandaged it for now as he keeps licking at it making it bleed again. I will be keeping an eye on him and see how it heals.

weLoveFenris · #9 02-10-10, 11:00 PM

Good to hear lots of responses

Dylan has all but recovered, it only slightly bleeds if he puts lots of pressure on the foot (walking around too much), but the last few times changing his bandage it seems to be healing quite well. Hopefully he will be up and running soon. We havent walked him today, and I think we will keep him inside tomorrow as well, just to ensure the cut heals properly and he does not contract any infections through the cut.

Beki · #10 03-10-10, 03:52 PM

I would keep it bandaged to prevent infection, and to stop him licking at it and infecting it. Rest him up for a few days and let it heal. Vets will not stitch as said the pad is too tough for them to get through xxxx