Broken toes are among the most common injuries in dogs. Unfortunately, these injuries can occur anywhere and anytime, which can be difficult to detect. Therefore, what can you do if you notice your dog has a fractured toe?
Dogs, like humans, break their toes now and then. Although broken toes are not as visible as broken bones in other parts of the body, dog owners must still take steps to ensure proper healing.
We hope to explain how to treat a dog’s broken toe in this short guide and determine whether there is a break in the first place.
What is a Broken Toe?
A broken bone is referred to as a fracture in term. The fracture can be in severity, from a minor hairline crack in the bone to a total break wherein the bone is split in two. Fractures are painful, even in the toes, regardless of the size of the bone.
Many small bones can be found in the paws. The metatarsal and metacarpal bones are the larger bones in the hind and forelimb paws. Each metatarsal and metacarpal bone, which forms the toes or digits, has a set of three smaller bones attached to it. Phalanges are the toe bones.
Cause of Fractures
Dogs, unlike humans, only have four of them. So your dog won’t be able to tell you if they’ve broken a bone. It is up to you to recognize the signs and assist your dog when necessary.
A dog’s toes can be broken in a variety of ways, and these are some of the most common reasons:
Stepping On
This is especially true for smaller dogs that could become entangled in a person’s legs. In addition, because toes are such small bones, they are easily fractured when stepped on by their owners.
Car Accidents
This is a common cause of broken toes and other bones in dogs, and they can cause a lot of trauma. The dog may be inside the car, or the vehicle may hit the dog while it is outside, but fractured toes may occur regardless of how the accident occurs.
Getting a Dog’s Toe Caught in a Slatted Floor or Fence
Dogs occasionally try to squirm through a fence or get their foot trapped in something, such as a rug, loose threads on a blanket, or wooden deck planks. Then it will try to free itself, which will result in a fractured toe.
Malnourishment
A malnourished dog’s bone density may not be sufficient to support its weight. Broken toes frequently result in these dogs receiving insufficient calcium. Some malnourished dogs can break their toes or other bones simply by jumping off the couch.
Lethargy, stiffness, and muscle twitching are other symptoms of calcium deficiency. If you feed your dog store-bought dog food, double-check that you provide the correct amount if you notice any symptoms.
Dog Broken Toe Signs
Each dog is distinctive. Some dogs can tolerate a lot of pain, while others cannot. As a result, it can be difficult to tell when your dog is injured, especially if it is a hardy breed.
Some will flee and hide when a dog is hurt, while others become clingy. A behavior change indicates that your dog requires additional attention.
Other symptoms of a broken toe are:
- Limping.
- Inflammation of the affected toe.
- Leg discomfort.
- Holding the paw up.
- Licking the paw.
- Demonstrating pain by crying or whining if someone touches it.
Because the middle toes bear weight, you’ll notice your dog limping more often if they’re injured. However, if the outer toes are injured, you may not see a limp.
Diagnosis of Dog Broken Toe
Diagnostic tests are required to determine the presence of the fracture, as well as to assess its location and severity, such as the number of digits involved and whether they include the central weight-bearing toes. However, to make the diagnosis, no laboratory tests are required.
A veterinarian will take X-rays to diagnose a broken toe in a dog if the owner suspects it is broken. They may also examine the feet to determine which toe is broken. Because X-rays of the feet are usually quick and painless, a diagnosis can usually be made in minutes.
What To Do
If you believe your dog has a fractured toe, take him to the clinic. Unfortunately, a broken toe cannot be treated at home. However, while preparing for your vet visit, you can do a few things to make your dog more comfortable.
- Stay calm – Your dog is terrified and in pain, and you are probably as well. You must, however, remain calm until your dog has been examined and treated by a veterinarian.
- Allow your dog not to put any more weight on the toe.
- If there is any bleeding or an open wound on the paw, wrap it in a clean towel.
Treatment Options
The treatment will be determined by the degree of the injury and any additional trauma suffered by the dog.
Treatment options could include:
- Splinting.
- Surgical repair.
- Amputation of the toe.
During surgery, the fractured bones are realigned and secured in place with plates, screws, pins, and wires. A splint may be required for four to five weeks after surgery, depending on the type of surgical repair used.
If the break is severe enough, the toe may need to be amputated. Likewise, if the break does not heal properly and the dog shows signs of pain or discomfort while walking, amputation may be necessary.
Your veterinarian will send you home with treatment instructions for your dog.
How Much Does it Cost to Treat a Broken Toe in a Dog?
In the United States, repairing a dog’s fractured toe can cost anywhere from $200 to $1200. The price depends on the severity of your dog’s toe, the type of treatment necessary, and any subsequent care. The price range varies greatly because no two cases of a dog’s fractured toe are the same.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
A dog’s fractured toe might take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to recover entirely. However, this is dependent on your dog’s age, breed, and the severity of the fractured toe.
If your dog’s fractured toe can be mended with splint therapy, it should fully recover within two months. However, when surgery is required, recuperation time may be extended. Your veterinarian will inform you how long it will take for your dog’s fractured toe to heal.
Prevention and Care at Home
You can continue to give your pet a prescribed pain reliever after surgery to help them feel better. The limb is usually cast or splinted for eight weeks or until complete healing. It’s also critical to keep your pet’s activity and exercise to a minimum during recovery.
During each cast/splint change, the surgeon will check the healing process every 1 to 2 weeks. X-rays will be taken during the final exam, which will take place three to eight weeks after the surgery (depending on the pet’s age).
FAQ
Conclusion
Leg injuries, as well as broken bones, are unfortunately common in dogs. Although it may be frightening to consider, you will likely have to deal with a leg injury during your dog’s life.
Any pet owner tries to keep their pet safe, but this isn’t always possible with active and lively dogs. So instead, we should brace ourselves for the potential that they will injure themselves eventually.
Many traumatic events are unavoidable because they are true accidents. Please keep your dog in a fenced-in yard and walk him on a leash to reduce the risk of motor vehicle trauma.
If your dog has a fractured toe, you should seek expert assistance from a veterinarian.
*photo by PantherMediaSeller – depositphotos
