A dog’s broken toe requires veterinary treatment. But how soon do you need to get your dog to the vet if you think he or she broke a toe? And how do you keep your dog (and yourself) from going crazy while your dog is wearing a splint? These questions, and others, are exactly what integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby is about to address.
Hardie was a happy-go-lucky Goldendoodle who would usually enthusiastically prance into my office. So I knew something was wrong as soon as he walked—or rather limped—in the door. While he still maintained his outgoing personality, he was definitely more subdued. And his mom was understandably concerned.
She proceeded to tell me that, being an active dog, Hardie frequented the dog park. However, ever since that morning’s romp with his friends, he had not wanted to place any weight on his right front leg.
As I knelt down to examine Hardie, I noticed his paw was swollen. And it was extremely painful to the touch. To help him be more comfortable, I gave him an injection of pain medication. Then I explained to his mom that I was concerned his symptoms might be related to either a broken bone or a severe strain or sprain.
To help his mom better understand the potential problems, I started with a quick dog paw anatomy lesson.
Dog paw anatomy
A dog’s paw consists of four long bones called the metacarpals or metatarsals. The metacarpals are located on the front limbs, and the metatarsals are on the rear limbs. These bones are similar to the ones that make up the palms of our hands, and soles of our feet, respectively.
Attached to the metatarsals and metacarpals are three bones, known as the phalanges. Together, they form the digits (i.e. fingers and toes). At the end of each digit, a toenail covers the tip of the third phalange.
Additionally, the paw is made up of a variety of soft tissue structures (i.e. muscles, tendons, and ligaments). These structures provide stability and/or the ability to move the components of the paw.
Altogether, there are a variety of structures in the paw that could potentially be injured. I discuss paw pad injuries in dogs, a dog’s split nail, and ripped-off toenails in dogs in other blogs. So the focus here is going to be on broken toes.
Why do dogs have broken toes?
As you can imagine, there are many reasons a dog can break a toe. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Getting stepped on (more common in smaller dogs with tiny fragile bones)
- Catching the toe in a slatted floor or between fence posts
- Being hit by a car
- Sustaining a bite wound to the foot
- Jumping down from a height and landing wrong (especially for larger dogs)
Sometimes you know your dog experienced trauma to the foot. But other times, you are left wondering “Why is my dog limping?” Or you may be asking yourself why your dog is showing other symptoms of a broken toe like:
- Excessively licking the foot
- Swelling of the toe or foot
- An abnormally shaped toe
- Unwillingness to use the leg
- Signs your dog is in pain
How quickly do you need to get your dog to the vet?
If you suspect your dog has a broken toe, you will need to decide if he or she needs urgent medical attention, or if you can wait to see the veterinarian the next day. Most of the time, it is fine to schedule an appointment with your regular vet. However, there are some situations where you should make an emergency vet visit for your limping dog. They include:
- You notice your dog is dragging one or more limbs (this can be a sign of a fracture or IVDD in dogs)
- Non-weight-bearing lameness, inability to move, or the dog’s back legs collapsing
- Severe trauma (For example, if your dog was hit by a car, he or she may have more severe injuries that are not immediately apparent.)
- An open wound, significant or uncontrolled bleeding, or exposed bone
- Swelling of the joint or paw
- Fever (i.e. temperature greater than 102.5° F)—This is why it is so important to learn how to take a dog’s temperature at home
- Concerns that your dog is in significant pain
How will your vet diagnose a dog’s broken toe?
Whether you end up making an emergency/urgent care appointment or a regular appointment for your dog, the vet will probably start with a physical exam. This is important for all dogs, but especially so for those who have experienced some sort of trauma. As mentioned earlier, sometimes a potentially broken toe isn’t your dog’s only—or most pressing— problem.
The veterinarian may also perform an orthopedic exam on your dog. This involves watching your dog move and palpating and manipulating the structures of the limb. Then, depending on the results, he or she may recommend additional diagnostics like X-rays. Taking X-rays allows the vet to visualize and evaluate the fracture (if one is present). And it also helps rule out other causes of pain and swelling of the toe, such as cancer.
Hardie’s diagnosis and treatment
To see how this works in real life, let’s go back to my patient, Hardie.
Since Hardie had a swollen paw and refused to bear weight on the leg, I wanted to take some X-rays to rule in/out a fracture. Getting quality images would require manipulating his already painful foot, so I recommended giving him a short-acting sedative on top of the pain medication I gave him initially.
While Hardie napped thanks to the sedatives, my techs brought him to radiology to take a couple of X-rays of his foot. Unfortunately, the films confirmed my concern that he had fractured one of the bones in his toe.
While he was still sedated, I applied a splint to his foot to help stabilize the broken bone. The sedation made the splinting process much more comfortable for Hardie. And it also helped me get a good splint placement since I didn’t have a moving target.
What is the treatment for a broken toe?
The majority of the time, your vet will recommend a splint or cast for your dog’s broken toe, just like I did for my patient. However, in some cases, your dog may need surgery to repair the fracture. This tends to be the case more often if the fracture involves a weight-bearing bone or is complicated.
In most cases, broken bones take approximately four to eight weeks to heal in dogs. Puppies tend to heal faster so their broken toe healing time may be closer to that four-week mark. But since senior dogs often have delayed healing, they may need to keep the splint on longer.
Your veterinarian will likely replace the splint every one to two weeks until the fractured bones heal. However, there may be circumstances where he or she will need to change the splint sooner, such as if:
- The splint becomes soiled or wet
- There is swelling of the toes or above the bandage
- The splint slips
- Sores develop near the bandage or at pressure points
What about the at-home treatment of a dog’s broken toe?
It can be difficult sometimes to get to the vet every one to two weeks (and the cost of care for your dog’s broken toe can add up). Understandably then, I sometimes have pet owners ask me if the broken toe will heal on its own, or if they can apply and change a splint at home.
While I do suggest dog parents learn how to wrap a dog’s paw for short-term first aid purposes, I generally do not recommend applying a splint or longer-term bandage at home. The risks of something going wrong are just too high.
For starters, if you apply a bandage or splint too tightly, it can cut off the circulation to the dog’s toes, causing the tissue to die. Not only is this painful for your pup, but a dog leg amputation is often the only option once the toes are dead.
Additionally, an incorrectly-applied splint can put pressure on the broken bones. As a result, it can actually prevent—instead of encouraging— fracture healing. Or, the splint can cause pressure sores on your dog’s leg, which can be painful and take time to resolve completely.
How should you care for your dog with a broken toe?
As we have established, splinting your dog’s foot at home isn’t a good idea. But there are some things you can, and should, do at home to help your dog’s broken toe heal well.
Give all medications as directed
Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication to keep your pup comfortable while the bone heals. This will most likely be a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as carprofen (Rimadyl®) or Previcox®. It is important to only give medications prescribed by your veterinarian, as human anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or Advil® can have serious side effects in dogs.
Your veterinarian may also provide additional pain medications such as gabapentin for dogs or tramadol for dogs to help maximize comfort while your dog recovers.
Follow your veterinarians’ instructions regarding the dose and timing of the medications. And if you have any concerns about your dog’s pain level or suspect he or she is experiencing side effects from the medications, please contact your veterinarian.
Ensure your dog rests the foot
I know it is difficult, but strict rest is critically important to prevent unnecessary stress on the dog’s toe. This means no running, jumping, or rough play. Plus, in most situations, you should only let your dog walk around outside long enough to “do his or her business.” And you should keep your dog on a six-foot leash while outside to prevent him or her from running around.
For a couch potato dog, rest may be no big deal. But some dogs have trouble knowing their limits. Or they may start to develop “cabin fever” before they have a clean bill of health.
If your dog is having trouble coping with the resting phase of recovery, please talk to your veterinarian. There are some medications, such as trazodone for dogs, that can help with anxiety.
In addition, Kong toys, puzzle bowls, lick mats, or other DIY enrichment ideas for dogs can be great ways to battle boredom. They help provide your dog with an alternative outlet for their energy by working their brain instead of their paws. (But ensure that you avoid any activities that get your dog too wound up or involve chasing an object or treat.)
Keep a close eye on your dog’s splint and toes
As mentioned earlier, splints do carry the risk of complications. While having your vet apply the splint and following all of his or her instructions does greatly decrease the risk, it doesn’t drop it to zero.
Thus, it is important that you take good care of the splint by keeping it clean and dry. And you should also check the splint daily. You want to ensure it hasn’t gotten wet, started to slip, or caused your dog’s toes or leg to swell, change color, or become cool to the touch.
And if you have any concerns about the splint or your dog’s leg, call your vet promptly. That way he or she can correct any potential issues before they create a big problem.
Apply Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips
If your dog is slipping or sliding while wearing the splint, applying Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips to the other three feet can be a simple and effective solution. They are also a great tool for post-surgical recovery.
ToeGrips work with your dog’s natural traction mechanisms, the toenails, to help your dog gain traction and move around more confidently. This makes it less likely that he or she will slip and fall (and potentially get hurt or become afraid of hardwood floors).
Hardie’s recovery
I’m happy to say that Hardie’s broken toe healed beautifully. This was in no small part thanks to the excellent care that his mom gave him. She followed my instructions to a T and did a great job of using brain games to keep him entertained.
Watching him sprint around the dog park a few months later, you would never know he had broken a toe.
You are integral to your dog’s recovery
I know that hearing your dog has a broken toe can be intimidating and upsetting at first. But thankfully, like Hardie, most dogs with broken toes heal well with surgery or splinting.
I don’t want to underestimate the role that you play in your dog’s recovery, though. Your vet will get your dog started off on the right foot. But then it is up to you to give your dog his or her medications, enforce strict rest, monitor the splint, and return for any follow-up appointments.
I don’t say this to overwhelm you, but to show you how valuable your contribution is. Together, you and your vet can help your dog recover from a broken toe and never look back.
Has your dog broken a toe?
Feel free to share his or her story below.
Well my 57 pounds American Bully has now a broken toe on right paw #1 phalange ….. i am so distraught about this. Vet did not give splint ….. afraid it is not a good idea. Thoughts??
Hi Pj,
Sorry to hear that your dog has a broken toe. Poor pup! Without seeing the X-rays and examining your dog, it is hard to say for sure what the best approach would be. My best guess is that since the digit #1 (the dewclaw) doesn’t bear weight like digits #2-5, the vet may have decided that it would heal fine without the splint. Splints definitely come with their own set of challenges, so in this case perhaps the vet thought that letting it heal on its own rather than dealing with the splint was the best approach for your dog. If you are concerned, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet and get their thoughts or seek a second opinion though. I hope you are able to get some answers and that your dog’s toe heals quickly!
Hi there!
I work with horses and my 4yo maniac (Border Collie) helps me all day every day. Sadly a few days ago he got stepped on his paw and his “ring” finger of his front paw seem to sit oddly. He is still walking and running as if nothing happened except when walking on soft surfaces like a bed.
Im planning on taking a vet appointment to have it officially checked but in the meantime should I be worried if he seems to act mostly as if nothing happened??
He hit it a few time against chair legs or items and its definitely sensitive, but aside from that he is balls to the walls 24/7.
Hi Emilie,
I am so sorry your pup has injured his paw. I definitely think this needs to be evaluated sooner rather than later. If the toe is in fact broken, you would want to make sure it is aligned properly before it fuses in an odd position. I know what you mean about him acting normal and putting his all into everything he does. Dogs (especially high drive working breeds) are great at pushing through the pain and masking the effects. If it looks like something that would cause you pain, then I guarantee your pup is hurting too. Hoping you were able to get your boy the care he needed and that all is well. Feel free to leave an update and let us know how he is doing. Wishing you both the best of luck!
Hello! I have a 5 month old Newfoundland, and he unfortunately fractured the pinky toe on his back right paw April 22. The vet stated that because this toe is not weight bearing, a splint isn’t necessary and prescribed Tino Gabapentin, Rimadyl and Trazodone with an order of limited mobility. We have been good about keeping him on the leash outside and haven’t been taking him on walks. He’s been sleeping a lot I’m sure because of the medicine combo. However, twice a day he goes absolutely nuts and basically parkours off the furniture, walls, chairs..as well as barking non stop and biting (not in an aggressive way but a playful way). We are losing our minds because he was so obedient and calm before this pinky toe injury! We are trying to incorporate some low impact activities for him because he’s not limping, wincing or showing any signs of pain. Especially when he is sprinting around our first floor. Can we take him on short walks? Can he swim? Can he walk on the beach? We just feel so bad for him because he came everywhere with us since we got him, and now it seems like he’s mad at us in a way because we leave him in the crate a lot :,( I feel as though we can introduce a walk or something back into his routine because he really has improved so much, but I don’t want for him to regress.
Hi Alexandra,
I am sorry your puppy has been placed on exercise restriction and is having a hard time dealing with his excess energy. Very young dogs with bone fractures tend to heal quickly and it is quite possible it may be healed enough to allow him to return to more normal function. Do you already have a recheck appointment scheduled in the near future? Was your vet planning to take follow up x-rays in a few weeks? The best way to tire out a dog when physical exercise isn’t an option is to make their mind work harder and wear them out mentally. Puzzle feeders or snuffle mats are perfect. You can also look into nose work training. Hoping all is well and praying for a full recovery for your sweet boy.
My 14 lb Jack Russel has a small fracture and was not putting any weight on his back left foot. We took him to the vet and they splinted him up. With the splint he doesn’t like to walk or even move. He seems totally miserable and they said he needs this for 6 weeks. I am wondering with his light weight and natural tendency to not put any weight on his paw if the splint is totally necessary. The bone is not out of place and it is a tiny fracture. Was the vet overly cautious with this splint?
Hi Shane,
I am sorry your pup is dealing with a fractured foot. The use of a splint can sometimes be necessary, but it is hard for me to make specific conclusions without playing a personal role in your dog’s medical care. It may be possible to ask your vet about repeating x-rays prior to the end of the 6-week time period. If there is evidence the bone is healing well, you may be able to remove the splint sooner than originally planned. If you have any lingering concerns don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. And if needed you can always take your pup for a second opinion. Hoping all is well and praying your boy has made a full recovery. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
My very energetic dog has injured a ligament in between her middle toes rear paw. The vet gave her anti inflammatory medication but said a splint would not work. He advised she be kept quiet for 4-6 weeks. This is impossible and all of us are miserable. Do you think a paw cup style split would work for her? Thank you
Hi Kate,
I understand how impossible it must be to keep your high energy dog’s activity level to a minimum. With that being said, I am not sure of any good ways to allow a ligament injury to heal without activity restriction. I do not think a splint will achieve the results you are hoping for and may in fact cause weakness of the muscles in that area due to immobilizing them. You will have to think outside of the box to find ways to help your pup use her energy without putting strain on the ligament. Is swimming a possibility? Can you utilize nose work or other activities that would tire her mentally and not just physically? Please reach out to your vet with these concerns. They might be able to give you something to help keep your girl calm. Also, I would ask about the possibility of laser therapy as this would speed up healing time significantly. Ultimately, you have to do your best and try not to worry about things out of your control. A slow controlled leash walk is better than frantic running in the yard. Hoping you can come up with something that will work for everyone involved. Best wishes and praying for a fast recovery.
My 10 week old pup had a large garden rock tip from a ledge and fall on her front left paw braking 3 of her little toes. She seems to be dealing with it okay but the splint seems fairly large leaving her walking like a 3 legged praying mantis. I talked to my vet and she wanted me to come back so they can shorten it a bit. I am a retired tech and a full time groomer and I’m pretty sure I’m capable of doing it in my own. I understand the risk of wrapping it too tight. But the splint they put in yesterday slipped right off and I had to redo it anyhow. Any experienced words would help.
Thanks
Hi Natasha,
I am sorry your puppy was injured and is struggling with the splinting process. I do sometimes have my clients manage bandages and such at home depending on their comfort level and my assessment of their ability. Besides being careful to not overtighten the bandage, you also need to keep the toes stabilized while removing the splint to ensure the fractures are not displaced. Luckily, these little guys tend to heal very fast and usually do not have to have a splint on for more than a few weeks. Talk to your vet and make sure they are aware of your wishes and concerns. They may be willing to give you the bandage material and allow you to manage this at home yourself. Best wishes to you both and keep up the good work!
I have an 8 year old Golden Retriever “Jax” that has been slightly limping on his front left paw for a couple months. His limp would always seem to be worse when he woke up from sleeping and would get better as he was more active after waking up. We took him to the vet and they prescribed Carprofen. His limp would go away. Then after some time, it would come back so we went back to the vet 3 weeks ago and they prescribed more Carprofen but this time the slight limp did not go away..
Just a few days ago, he went from a slight limp to a definite limp and will hardly use his left paw at all. Went to the vet again and x rays show a “bony proliferation without lysis” in his IV digit of his toe. The vet said it is probably not arthritis since the latest Carprofen didn’t solve the limp. They said it was probably a Fungal issue or Bone Cancer.
Jax has always been healthy and highly active.
The vet is leaning toward bone cancer and saying amputation of the toe may be necessary.
I went from thinking it was arthritis or a strain in his toe to now extremely concerned.
Thank you for your expertise and please respond if you have any input!
Dear Greg,
I am so sorry Jax is facing this unknown issue with his toe. With cancer being high on the list of possible causes, I would recommend you reach out to a veterinary oncologist for advice. Before proceeding with amputation, it would be wise to check for any signs of metastasis in lymph nodes or in the lungs. If this is cancer and if it has already spread, it may not be in Jax’s best interest to pursue surgery. An oncologist will be able to help get a definitive diagnosis and go over all the treatment options and the expected prognosis of each. Amputation can be a lifesaving procedure, but sometimes palliative/hospice care can be the most loving option. I will attach links to other articles with more information. Hoping you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for everyone involved. Best wishes and praying for a positive outcome for your sweet boy.
1. Osteosarcoma in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis
2. A Compassionate Look at Dog Leg Amputation
3. Dog Hospice Care Can Bring Peace and Dignity to Your Dog’s Final Days
My mother puppy has her two centre toes fractured during a dog bite and the vets have only prescribed anti inflammatory and pain relief, no advice on wraps or splints. According to them, if the toes don’t heal only option is amputation which seems extreme.
Do you have any advice we can do to help aid recovery to avoid this outcome.
Hi Eva,
I am sorry your pup was injured by another dog and suffered two broken toes. Without examining your dog myself and getting to look at the x-rays, it is hard to make specific recommendations. I am a bit surprised that no other options were discussed. It is ok to ask for a consultation with a specialist and also sometimes worth getting a second opinion. While it can be difficult to immobilize the toes with a splint or bandage, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be worth a try. Also, surgery could be a possibility depending on where the fracture is. I encourage you to keep looking for answers. You are doing a great job advocating for your dog’s health and well-being. Keep up the good work!
Great advice. My 5 month Labrador is recovering from a fractured back paw. It had been in a splint for the last 5 weeks. The splint is now off and she seems to be walking and running without limitation BUT her paw is flat – as if the muscle has atrophied. How long will it take my pup to return to “normal” and how much can I walk her right now?
Hi Mark,
These are great questions. It can take several weeks or even months to gain back strength in the affected muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Without being able to physically see your pup and do a personal evaluation, it is hard to make specific recommendations for exercise and rehabilitation. It would be very beneficial to reach out to a veterinary rehabilitation professional in your area and have them take a look at your girl. They can tell you which exercises would be of most benefit and guide you through the recovery process. In general, you want to start out slow and easy and gradually increase the frequency of walks as well as the length and difficulty (uphill, over uneven surfaces, etc.). Wishing you both the best of luck and keep up the good work!
Hello Dr. Buzby,
My 3 yr old, mini long haired dachshund, broke her left rear baby toe 2 days ago when a heavy wooden puppy gate fell over on her foot. She screamed in pain and hiked her leg up immediately and refused to walk on it for the rest of the day. At the time it happened, I wasn’t sure if it was just bruised or what, but when she was still refused to walk on it yesterday, I immediately called the vet who saw her within a few hours. Sure enough, the little toe was broken. They splinted her toe, but her cast goes all the way up her leg to her hip! Because she has such tiny legs, it has made it difficult for her to stand, and/or go to the bathroom. She can’t squat to urinate or defecate, and has not gone potty since yesterday morning, even though she is eating and drinking. When I place her on her potty mat, she just stands there, and then stretches the bandaged leg straight up and back. She can barely walk a step or two before giving up and just sitting back down. I’m concerned about her not being able to relieve herself. Should I take her back to the vet and have them shorten the cast so she has more movement? What are your thoughts? Any helpful suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your time to reply.
Hi Debi,
Goodness, I am so sorry your little pup is having so much trouble. Splints are great but can definitely be a hinderance to a dog’s mobility. I do think it would be a good idea to talk to your vet about this issue. They may be able to shorten the splint a bit to allow more movement and still keep the fracture stabilized. Hoping your girl’s toe will heal quickly and the splint can be removed soon. How are things today? Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
I have a very active, agile, ball chasing, running, jumping, 40 pound 6 year old dog who broke her right front paw (ring finger toe).. We believe she broke it running after ball and skidding, turning so quickly it snapped. She has been splinted for 4 weeks by the vet. and everything is going well. I am concerned about once she’s healed, rebreaking the toe due to her love of chasing, running, jumping. I have been searching for some kind of reusable splint, wrap, device to support her toes for run and play. Her life is her ball. Please help.
Thank you,
Sherry & Maddie
Hi Sherry,
I understand your concern for Maddie and can see how preventing further injury will be a challenge. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any support type devices to protect toes. Boots and other foot coverings do not seem like a good option for the specific issue you are facing. The only way I know to decrease the risk of another similar event will be to discontinue the type of play that caused the accident in the first place. You may have to put limits on how the ball playing is performed or find a different outlet for her energy. Hoping you will come up with a good solution that works for you and Maddie. Best wishes and good luck!
Hi,
I have a 4 month old dachshund. He got his front paw (outside toe) stuck in our elevator door today. Not fully but enough to hurt. He winced with the pain and jumped in my arms. He can stand on it and just walked to his food but it’s definitely swollen and sore to touch. And his trying to avoid bearing weight.
It just seems to be is baby / pinky toe. How long before I should wait to go to the vet? Can I wait to see if he is improved by tomorrow? (24hours) Or it is it better to go today? Thank you for all your content.
Hi Rachel,
I am sorry your puppy has injured his toe. I know these little guys can sometimes be extra sensitive and really put on a show. But since there is swelling present, I am concerned there may be more to this situation. I think it would be best to go ahead and contact your vet. Hoping things can resolve with just rest and maybe some medication. Best of luck to you both!
Good evening, my 1 year old German shepherd has a potential toe fracture/break. he isn’t putting weight on that leg whatsoever, but he also isn’t whimpering in pain and let me examine his toes and paw without any whining/wincing— just momentarily attempted to pull his foot away when I started moving it around. Is there a chance it isn’t broken/fractured? Holding out hope that it could just be a minor injury that won’t require a splint or cast!
Hi Brette,
I am sorry your boy is having issues with his leg. Dogs can be very stoic and hide pain well. Even though your pup isn’t crying out, the unwillingness to use the leg is a sure sign of pain/discomfort. Yes, there is a chance his toe is not fractured. In fact, the point of pain may not even be his toe. Is this a front or rear leg? He could have injured a joint such as his shoulder, knee, elbow, etc. Or it could just be a soft tissue problem like a pulled muscle or sprained ligament. Your best bet is to have him examined by your veterinarian. They can localize the problem area and guide you through the healing process. Best wishes and good luck!
Hi, I was wondering if the leg shaking after splint removal was normal? I have an Oorang Airedale at 6 months, and she is putting weight on her toe more as the days move forward, but I notice when she lays down, the leg that was in the splint shakes quite a bit, but not any of her other legs. Is this just due to normal muscle fatigue? Or should I be more concerned? She has never whined when hurt, and even walked on her toe after it was broken (completely snapped in half), albeit with a limp. It’s a bit frustrating since this is apparently very common behavior for her breed, but I do hope it’s just muscle being rebuilt with her walking again.
Hi Ashleigh,
I understand your concern for your young puppy. Unfortunately, without examining her myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions and recommendations. Your best bet is to try and get this strange behavior on video and let your vet do a thorough evaluation. Hoping your sweet girl has made a full recovery and wishing you all the best!
Hello,
My 6 year old jack Russell has fractured one of his weight bearing back toes. He’s currently in a big spoon splint and we are both absolutely miserable (only day 2). I followed up with my vet this morning and got additional pain killers but when I asked, was told there isn’t any need to replace the bandage or splint before his next 6 week visit. This has me worried as his toes are wrapped so there’s going to be no way of knowing if he’s swelling or has pressure sores? She was adamant it is fine and a good vet, does this sound ok? I’m so worried I’m doing the wrong thing.
Hi Ash,
I understand your concern for your pup and applaud you for being proactive about his medical care. While the splint and bandage may be just fine until the 6 week recheck, I too would be too worried to not have it rechecked a few times between now and then. I usually do routine bandage changes every few days on my own patients. The only exception would be if they are extremely hyperactive, and I am worried the bandage change would do more harm than good due to their stress level and flailing during the procedure. If your dog’s toes were left uncovered, then this is a good way to monitor for swelling. If the toes look normal, then you are probably good to go. If you start to notice the toes becoming swollen, then I would be concerned. But like you mentioned, there is no way to monitor for pressure sores or complications without removing the bandage. Ultimately, you have to trust your gut. If you would like a bandage change to be done don’t hesitate to request this service from your vet. As long as you are willing to cover the financial cost, there should be no reason for them to decline. Hoping all is well and your sweet boy makes a full recovery. Keep up the good work!
Hi, Dr.!
Not even an hour ago, my sweet girl (blue heeler) got her foot stuck in the big heavy door at my apartment, and I’m CERTAIN this toe is completely broken – absolutely no movement and is clearly detached. Back leg, left foot, outside toe. She seems totally fine now behaviorally (of course, she’s gotta be so tough!), but of course is limping and doesn’t want any pressure on said foot. I’ve had it on ice for about 20 minutes and plan to do so at intervals after giving break times every couple hours. Unfortunately, a vet trip for x-rays/splinting/cast/surgery is not in the cards for us for a couple weeks. Anything you recommend in the meantime for at-home treatment? Thanks in advance – very helpful article here! 🙂
Hi Cal,
I am so sorry your girl has suffered a broken toe. I understand that financial issues can limit the ability to seek out much needed medical attention. With that being said, I am not comfortable recommending at home treatment for a broken toe that seems “detached”. If the bone is displaced, then it really needs immediate medical treatment. If you wait too long to have the bone realigned, you risk the toe becoming fused at a bad angle or something worse like a complete non-union. Your girl is limping and refusing to put pressure on her foot, so she is obviously painful and not fine behaviorally. I urge you find a way to get her to the vet as soon as possible. Praying for a positive outcome for your sweet girl.
HI Dr. Buzby,
Thank you for this informative article. My 17 and 1/2 month-old Golden Retriever puppy has a broken toe from a jaunt at the dog park 7 days ago. It’s her left hind pinkie toe. The X ray showed 2 to 4 fractures. On the Xray, one fracture is obvious, the other slight while the other two are hard to see and are questionable. The vet said 4 to 6 weeks of rest with no activity/playing but that she could start going on 1/2-mile walks a few days after the vet visit, So we did start going on daily short walks yesterday. I am adhering to all those instructions and her medications (Ostifen and Gabapentin. Trazodone will start after Gabapentin is completed).
Since it’s her pinkie toe (not weight-bearing like the other toes), can she start resuming normal activities sooner that 4 to 6 weeks? Bailey is a very good girl but she is an energetic girl and is used to her daily activities.
Thank you!
Hi Jennie,
I understand how hard it can be to keep a rambunctious puppy calm for such a long period of time. Unfortunately, you do need to follow your vet’s instructions on decreased activity for the full 4-6 weeks. This time period is what has been shown necessary for new bone growth and healing of a fracture in a puppy. While this toe is not responsible for most of your pup’s weight bearing, it still plays an important role especially when a dog turns, pivots, jumps, runs, etc. If it should become reinjured before healing is completed, you run the risk of the fractured bones becoming misaligned. This complication could then make surgery a requirement. I hope you can find the best way to keep things calm and under control for a few more weeks. I think the trazodone will help with that as well. Wishing you both the best of luck!
Hi, my 18 week old puppy has been out of her splint (splinted for 4 weeks) for 11 days. Her two middle toes were broken and fortunately never misaligned. I am wondering what level of activity is appropriate at this time. She is walking fairly normally on it but lacks muscle do to her time in the splint. I understand things take time but just trying to get another opinion. Thanks.
Hi M O,
I am glad your puppy healed quickly and didn’t have any issues with the bones becoming misaligned. Any time an injury has caused muscle loss or weakness, it is best to slowly transition back into normal function. I usually recommend starting with short slow controlled (on leash) walks. Then you can gradually increase the length of walks and incorporate hills and such to make the walks more challenging. Puppies typically recover very quickly, and I suspect your sweet girl will be back to normal in no time.
9month old Corgi just broke her toe. she has bigger dog cousins a dalmatian and golden retriever she plays with. 1 might have stepped on her. Dr didn’t recommend a splint. He said it wasn’t a weight bearing toe and should heal on its own. We received 2 pain pills and rest for 3weeks.
Hi Jackie,
I am sorry your puppy broke her toe! Glad to hear it should heal well on its own and a splint was not needed. Wishing your sweet girl the best for a fast and full recovery.
hi my rottie x has just been xrayd and has a broken toe . I am devastated he is happy snoozing but vet has definitely said surgery is necessary to pin the bone and ensure proper healing
do you concur Dr ?
Hi Kylie,
I am sorry your boy has broken his toe. Unfortunately, without examining your dog myself and reviewing his x-rays there is no way I can give specific recommendations on treatment options. If your vet has determined that surgery is the only way to proceed, then it sounds like you will need to consider heading in that direction. Wishing you the best of luck and hoping your sweet boy can make a full recovery.
Hello, my miniature poodle has broken 2 middle toes on her back foot. We were first told she would need to be operated on or possible leg amputation, she now has a splint on for 8 weeks. They are wanting to change the bandage every 2 days which is costing £130 each time ! All together it will cost £3,300. Just wanted to know if you think it needs changing that much, obviously want to to best for our dog but it seems like a lot and not affordable as we are pensioners.
Thanks
Hi Christina,
I am sorry your girl has injured her foot and I understand your frustration with the situation. Some bandages can stay on for several days at a time while others do need to be changed very frequently. It all depends on the specifics. Is the bandage becoming soiled or wet? Is there any drainage from the foot or swelling occurring? Without examining your pup myself, it is hard to know what I would personally recommend. My best advice is to have an honest conversation with your vet about your financial concerns. Hopefully you can partner together to ensure your girl is well taken care of and you are comfortable with how things are progressing. Best wishes and praying for a smooth recovery.
Our 6month Aussie is 3 weeks in with a broken toe and has just broken her 2nd splint not to mention the infection they are treating her for. very frustrated with the splint, any thoughts? our vet does not do casts.
Hi A Maltese,
I am sorry your puppy is having so many issues with the splint. Unfortunately, I am not sure I have any great advice. Broken bones in puppies typically heal very quickly so there may be a chance the toe has healed despite the splint problems. Has your vet taken any follow-up x-rays yet? It might be a good idea to schedule a recheck and that could give you some peace of mind about how things are progressing. Wishing you both the best of luck and praying for a full recovery for your Aussie.
Hello,
I recently lost my first dog to Valley Fever, had to put him down. One month later I fostered a beautiful Shiba Inu mix from an animal shelter. His name is Cody and is 2 yrs and approx 2 months. I wanted to adopt but instead I fostered because he had 2 broken toes from a 30 ft height daring jump. Or so that’s what they were told by the Urgent Care that took him to the animal shelter. Not sure if the owner just left him at urgent care or what, don’t have the whole story. None the less here’s my concern, it’s been approximately 10-12 wk’s since his injury and he is still limping. According to shelter:
Full body rads: R digit 5 proximal metacarpal fracture. Electing to not put splint as not weight bearing digit. Was dozed with 0.6 ml Bup SR SQ
Rex: Carprofen 75 mg Sid x 14 days. Gabapentin 400 mg bid x days.
No medication was given to me for him unless I felt he needed it. My previous dogs left me with a high medical debt. Reluctant to adopt Cody because afraid this will be a long term injury that doesn’t recover. What can I do? I need advice, would love him to heal properly and and see him run around like a normal dog. He walks ok but will lift his foot when standing and limps when he takes his first steps upon getting up. Please advise.
Respectfully
Hi Carolyn,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your first dog. It is always so difficult to have to say goodbye.
I can definitely understand your concerns about your foster dog. How is is doing now? With the continued history of limping, it might be worth seeing if the shelter vet can re-evaluate him and potentially take some X-rays to assess the fracture site. This may give you a better idea of if you are dealing with a non-healing fracture vs some residual soft tissue/bone pain. That information may also shed some light on if this could turn into a chronic problem or if he is likely to make a full recovery. I hope that you (and the shelter) are able to find a solution to help Cody walk comfortably and that you will have some clarity about adopting him vs. continuing to foster him for now. Feel free to give us an update!
My 12 week old puppy is currently in a cast because he fractured the one toe and then broke the other. It is very displaced. We live on the mountain and my other dog pulled a rock whilst digging which landed on puppies foot.
Dear Hannah,
I am so sorry your puppy is dealing with broken toes. Hopefully things will heal quickly, and surgery won’t be required. Praying for a full recovery for your sweet pup. ♥
hi ,my Maltese has 3 broken toes ,has been in a splint for 5 weeks and there not healing ,our vet has told us she needs surgery, any recommendations, thanks
Hi Pieter,
I am sorry your dog’s broken toes are not healing as expected. Unfortunately, if the healing process is not progressing with a splint, then surgery is the only way to have the bones realigned and get things back on track. Best of luck to you and your pup!