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Treatment

Treatment will be based on the severity of the injury. Bandaging the foreleg and protecting it from further injury is the most common response. Anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly given to decrease swelling. Amputation is sometimes required for injuries that cannot be repaired or under circumstances where the injury is life threatening.

Living and Management

Clinical monitoring of the dog following treatment is recommended so that improvements to the injured site can be assessed. One of the most common suggestions is for the dog to be confined so that it will not further complicate the injury. Protective swaddling, or binding, is also recommended for keeping the limb in place. Physical therapy may be prescribed for regaining muscle strength during rehabilitation. It is important to observe the dog's behavior following treatment as there is a potential for infection if the dog rubs its paws repeatedly on the ground. Also, it is important to deter the dog from mutilating itself in an attempt to stop the pain and associated healing sensations. Most cases will resolve within a few months of the initial prognosis and treatment.

Prevention

There are currently no preventative measures for this medical issue.