Vet Check - Foot Pad Injuries

Vet Check -

Article by Dr Jasmin Hyatt BVSc (Hons) DipACT MANZCVS (reproduction) Veterinary Reproduction Consultancy Pty Ltd (02) 6301 9550, Orange, NSW

Foot Pad Injuries

Injuries to the foot pad occur commonly, especially in dogs traversing rough terrain! Whether it be a wound from running continuously on a rough surface, or a laceration resulting from a sharp stick or piece of glass, it can be a very painful injury. If not treated fast and effectively injuries to the pads may have long-lasting effects. Dogs rely on their foot pads to insulate and protect their paws, absorb shock, and create traction with the surface they are on. The footpad of dogs is a highly specialised tissue. It has two layers; the tough fibrous layer to resist the tension and forces generated during weight bearing, and a fatty layer that acts as a cushion to distribute these forces. Because it is so specialised if this tissue gets injured it has to regrow and can’t be replaced with normal skin tissue. Early signs a foot pad injury in your dog

• Limping • Bleeding from the underside of the paw • Constant licking of the paw • Discolouration of the hair of the paw (secondary to licking) • More likely to occur on pads of the front limbs What should you do?

There are a few golden rules for treating these injuries as soon as possible 1. CLEANLINESS: These wounds are obviously in the perfect location for contamination. If healing is to occur the wound needs to be flushed clean of any debris and washed with an antiseptic. 2. ELEVATION: The wound needs to be relieved of any of the pressures of weight bearing by elevating the rest of the paw. 3. BANDAGING: To keep the wound clean and to promote healing the wound needs to be bandaged. The bandage material needs to be non-adherent and the dressing needs to be changed daily to begin with. 4. VETERINARY ATTENTION: A visit to your vet will allow them to assess the damage and the requirement for further treatment. This may include surgical debridement of the wound, suturing (stitching) of deep lacerations, splinting to elevate the wound, dispensing of antibiotics to prevent infection, and assessment of any other injuries. They will also be able to give advice on suitable bandage materials and how often the bandages will need to be applied for.

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