Featured Case Archive

Paw Problems - A Winter Nightmare!

Winter in Colorado is typically mild with little snowfall in the Front Range foothills.  This winter has proven different, however. Early snowfall and sustained cold temperatures have left us with lingering snow and ice on the ground.  Both of these create hazards to both people and pets alike!

Not only can the snow and ice be slippery, it can also cause abrasions and cuts to the pads, nails, and skin as the foot moves through the snow or ice layers. You may find these hazards in your backyard, on the sidewalk or street in front of your house, or on a hike in your local open space.

Carver, a one and a half year old border collie, knows first hand just how easy it is to cut a foot on ice and snow.  He loves to run and fetch items in the snow, and will do so for hours at a time. It only took a few tosses of the ball before there was blood in the snow from where the snow has caused an abrasion next to his toenail. Because it was a surface wound, there was no treatment needed.   And luckily the snow melted, so Carver was still allowed to play outside.

A few weeks later, Carver was playing fetch in a snow covered open space, where compacted snow was still present in the shaded areas. Within 10 minutes, Carver again was bleeding from his foot. This time there was more blood. A visit to the vet revealed a cut pad where the ice under the fresh snow had sliced into him. Carver’s wound was cleaned, covered and he was given antibiotics to prevent infection. A bootie was used to keep his foot covered and protected from further damage.

Once the pad was torn, however, it continued to reopen for several weeks while it was scabbing and healing. As many dog owners know, it is difficult to keep a dog “quiet” and inactive for several days, let alone several weeks, which is exactly why it took so long to heal. 

Carver’s owners continue to use booties on all four of his feet to prevent future injuries to his feet.  In addition, the booties provide traction in the slippery areas, protect his feet from the toxic ice melt granules on the sidewalks, and prevent snowball build up.   Carver is happy to report that he has been cut free for the 3 months since using his booties in the snow!