Cut Paw

[krakadawn]

I'm sure someone with your experience could find a way to do that. How would you handle that dog if it was a wound that required staples in the field.
It happens.

[be2man]

Pad cuts pretty much need to heal from the inside out, granulating in and contracting. Pad leather doesn't hold stitches well. Even if stitched, with weight bearing the stitches pull out and let go and you're back to where you started but with a $500 Vet bill.

[Sharon]

Thank goodness - a real vet! Thank you. - This place must drive you crazy.

(That means I have been wrong twice this week. I'd better move on. )

[smitty55]

All vets are not created equal. Same goes for doctors and mechanics. Some were the best in their class, others not so much.

Cheers

[yellow dog]

I'm sure someone with your experience could find a way to do that. How would you handle that dog if it was a wound that required staples in the field.
It happens.

I have had major cuts on the trail and even in a sprint race situation where the dog has to be put in the dog bag on the sled and restrained. Happens more often than you think and you have to react and think on the fly. I have gotten to know a few vets that have volunteered for the Iditarod , Yukon Quest, Can-Am etc. over the years and all have been fascinated by the dog care and knowledge mushers have with regards to foot/pad care. Yes the goal is to get the pad clean to eliminate any possible infection and covered with a bandage and dog booty if possible. Most sled dogs get bored very easy and see a bandage as something to eat so the best possible remedy is to clean and apply a product such as polysporin or similar effective product on the market. Every day the wound is cleaned at least once ,patted dry , polysporin applied if it can be bandaged then of course. Rest and trying to keep the dog from moving is always recommended but that's easier said than done depending on the breed. I have attempted to bandage a cut pad after it has been cleaned but unfortunately the dog would remove the bandage. After talking to my old vet she basically said try to keep it clean and apply polysporin. Almost every musher I know follow a similar regime and to say that is not the correct way well the proof is in the animals that run thousands of miles each winter. You have your method we have ours and both ways work.

[krakadawn]

I can imagine the challenge of looking after injuries out on a trail. I know a number of people who carry a staple kit to be used in the event of a serious injury as well.

I'll bet you didn't carry a snake bite kit like some of us training in the south do!

[yellow dog]

I can imagine the challenge of looking after injuries out on a trail. I know a number of people who carry a staple kit to be used in the event of a serious injury as well.

I'll bet you didn't carry a snake bite kit like some of us training in the south do!

Wow a snake bite kit ! I can't imagine worrying about that.

[fishhawk]

To the OP, take him to the vet if it will give you piece of mind. But in my experiences with my dog which has cut its paws a few times, it will heal on its own. just keep it as clean as you can. The only thing you have to watch out for is infection, if you notice discharge or bad smell coming from the wound then a trip to the vet for antibiotics is in order.

[Dakota Creek]

As mentioned, stitches do not generally hold well on pads (been there / done that - suggested solution to a zebra mussel cut years ago). Keep it clean and try to keep in covered (vet wrap / dog boot) while outside to keep it dry. Biggest issue will probably be your patience in allowing it to heal from the inside out! :-)

[Eddy22]

Thanks guys have clean it a few different times with Epson salts and had had her bootie on all night. Vets this afternoon.

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