Torn Pad

[SillyPup3]

Recently we were out and about for the 4th of July. We were at my parent's house and the dogs were outside playing. Then we went to go watch the fireworks. After we got back home we noticed our girl was limping. After further inspection we noticed that her big foot pad on her right foot has a very long (looks a little deep) tear. She keeps on limping, and I'm not sure what to do. We're out of town right now, so we don't have our vet around. Plus tomorrow is Sunday and a lot of vets are closed. Is there something I can do? I read something here about someone giving Neosporin. Someone else said something about their dog getting stitches. If it's not bleeding will it still need stitches? I really don't know what to do, and she's limping an awful lot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Amanda

[moondog]

If it's deep, there could be debris trapped in the cut, like glass, metal or whatever cut it to begin with. I'd find an emergency vet's office and take her in and have a vet take a good look at it. If you're not sure if you need a vet visit, it's wise to play it safe and have it checked. :)

[Judi W]

Stitches rarely hold on a pressure bearing pad. Generally the advice is to clean it well, you can apply some bacitracin or neo for a couple of days and then you want it to dry. Field dog people apply hemorhoid ointment as it has a topical pain killer and helps take down the swelling of tissue and aids healing. I keep some in my emergency first aid kit just for that purpose. It is also good for abcesses after they have finished draining and ready to heal.

[MARYDVM]

There is a 24 hour "golden period" after a wound occurs when suturing can be done. After that period of time the tissue is contaminated/infected and any sutures placed will dehisce (fall out) and the wound will reopen and drain. Antibiotics are a good idea, but closing the wound after this period of time will not be successful.

[SillyPup3]

Thank you everyone!
We put on some neosporin and after a couple of days she's better now. She's not limping anymore, and we can touch her paw without her moving it away.