Broken paws are a serious injury in pets. If left untreated or if treated improperly, your pet may have lifelong problems such as arthritis or a permanent limp. The paw or part of the leg also may have to be amputated. Veterinary advice should be sought immediately and strictly followed when a paw is broken.
Emergency Care
A broken paw is usually accompanied by swelling in the area of the fracture and causes the animal visible pain when touched. Veterinary care is a must, but if your pet continuously tries to walk on a possible broken paw and you are not able to go to the veterinarian immediately, Michigan licensed veterinarian Dr. Gary, a DVM in emergency veterinary medicine, advises stabilizing the injury immediately. Either prevent your pet from moving around too much by placing it in a crate or create a temporary splint to hold the paw in place so that the fracture doesn't become worse. Find a small board or another stiff object appropriate in size for your pet's leg as a splint, place it along its leg and wrap the leg loosely with a bandage to hold the splint in place. Be sure not to wrap it too tight, as it may cut off circulation.
Veterinary Visit
Dr. Chris Bern, DVM and author of the popular veterinary medicine blog "A Vet's Guide to Life," strongly advocates that for serious injuries such as a broken paw, pet owners should take web-based advice lightly and to seek personalized veterinary care by scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you can. Only the vet can truly analyze, diagnose and treat the situation properly. He will likely take an initial X-ray to see where the fracture is located and its severity. Some injuries may be complex and you may need to opt for a surgical procedure. Otherwise, your pet will likely have a cast placed on its leg to keep the paw in the correct position for proper healing. Listen to and follow any special instructions the vet gives you to ensure the best recovery period for your pet.
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