Hi everyone, I haven't been to champdogs for ages and it's nice to see some familiar names still here. I wanted to ask a question about my lab who injured his paw nearly 2 weeks ago. He was running on a field and managed to slice open his pad, it was very deep but clean, I have been bathing it and keeping it as clean as possible (he had a boot on to start with) and he has been to the vet but hubby didn't ask how long they normally take to heal!

I know it probably depends on how deep the cut is but it seems to be taking ages and we are due to all go on holiday at the end of January, I wouldn't want poor Kobi to miss out on all the fun. Has anyone got any idea whether it normally takes this long?

Cheers

Welcome back Smurggle :) :) :)

Sorry Kobi is having troubles.  Cut pads can be something and nothing (usually are IME) but occasionally become more of a problem.  Keeping the area clean and dry are usually the best methods for speeding up recovery and I see you've had him vet checked so presume nowt sinister has infected the wound.

A neighbour's dog recently had a relatively clean and not too deep cut to a pad, took to the vet (newby >sigh<) who insisted on stitches!!! which then turned a pretty routine injury into a trauma that had the dog lame and with infections for a few weeks.  Neighbour eventually tried collidal silver and the wound healed within a week so it might be worth a shot :)

HTH Teri

GET some  Newskin  from Boots its liquid plaster
great for pads

Thanks guys, I will try and get some of that spray plaster stuff. Does anyone know if it is OK for him to go out for walks with it though as he has been confined to house (with a boot put on for garden visits) for a while now and both me and the dog are starting to get cabin fever!

Thanks
Sarah

IF YOU COAT  THE PAD WITH THE CNEWSKIN,  IT WILL FORM
A COATING OVER THE PAD AND HEAL THE PAD,
ITS SAFE TO USE ON DOGS, YOU PAINT IT ON,

Hi again Sarah

it depends on the current degree of healing to the pad and if the dog is in pain.  I know it's difficult to restrict otherwise active dogs but often it's in their best interests as some seem to have a higher than average pain threshhold (Tervuerens anyway!)

If you use newskin or a similar product it will keep the wound sealed and prevent debris getting in but only for brief periods and not on hard surfaces.  If you choose to use this I'd still recommend a boot for cushioning and only short lead walks.  Check regularly that the newskin is holding  - if it isn't you'll have to be sure to thoroughly clean and equally thoroughly dry the wound before applying more.

In some cuts it wont work - if there is an obvious 'flap' for example on the pad, even a small one, it's difficult to seal the area properly as when the dog's weight is put on the foot the pad naturally spreads slightly as does the wound opening.

regards, Teri

OK thank you, I think I will keep him in a bit longer I don't want to risk setting back healing just before a holiday- time to get out all the old puzzle toys methinks to stop him going crazy!

Cheers
Sarah