Paws: cracked pads, one with cut

[undercut]

Two questions really, but since they both are about pads I figured I'd combine them to one thread.

Is it normal for Rotties to have large, unopened cracks on the pads of their paws? If not, what is the best way of treating the cracks. Is it common for these to split open?

This pass weekend Tess was playing outside and managed to make a good sized slice on the big pad on one of her front paws. We took her to the vet and she got stiches and an antibiotic. The severed piece of the pad was still attached, but only by a small amount of tissue, this is also the side that current has stiches as two of the five have come out. That side of the slice (3/4" by 1/2") has reattached, but the other side has not, and though it has a thin clear layer of scab(?) it still concerns me.

First is that it appears to be slightly infected inspite of the antibiotic and salve I've been applying in addition to bandaging. Second, is I'm concerned about how it will heal. If it doesn't reattach, is it possible for it to just heal the surface of the cut without filling the cut? I'm grabbing for the best way to ask this and it's just not working.

Thank you for any help, I'm just looking for ideas as to how to treat this without another trip to the vet for more sedation and stiches.