Fractured Dog Toe

by Sharleen
(Australia )

Reader Question: Dog Toe Fracture Treatment Advice

What is the best treatment? My 7 month old Rottie x came in limping about a week ago, after a few days was back to his normal self no sign of lameness.

Took him to the vet and they X-rayed him and said his outer toe on his left front leg was fractured, it is now in a splint and wrapped very heavily, so heavy he can barely lift his leg and walk and he is also limping again. Why can't we just confine him to a crate for four weeks instead of having the splint, he is obviously unhappy and stressed out!

Veterinarian Suggestion for a Dog Toe Fracture

Hello,

I am afraid I can’t really comment on what the best form of treatment for your dog would be since I can’t examine him or see his x-rays. In general, a splint would be superior to crating for a broken toe, but if your dog is unable to adapt to the splint or secondary problems like pressure sores are developing, it might be time to rethink the situation.

Bring your concerns to the attention of the veterinarian who is treating your dog. He or she is in the best position to determine if the splint is causing more problems than it is solving, and if so, what the next course of action should be.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM