Dog Broken Toe: Signs, Cause and Treatment

Our beloved canine companions are active and playful animals, and accidents can happen even in the safest of environments. One common injury that dogs may experience is a broken toe. A dog's broken toe might not sound like a major injury, but it can be quite painful and, if not properly managed, may lead to complications. Whether it's from an adventurous sprint in the backyard or an unfortunate mishap, understanding the nuances of a broken toe in dogs is the first step toward ensuring your pet's swift recovery. This condition can range from a simple fracture that might heal with minimal intervention to a complex break requiring surgical correction. Recognizing the signs and knowing when to consult your veterinarian are pivotal.

How to Tell If a Dog Has Broken Toe?

Identifying a broken toe in your dog can be challenging, as dogs often hide their pain. However, some common signs and symptoms to watch for include:

• Limping or favoring one leg: If your dog suddenly starts limping or avoiding putting weight on one of their paws, it could be an indication of a broken toe.
• Swelling and bruising: Check for swelling, bruising, or redness around the affected toe or the entire paw.
• Pain and sensitivity: Your dog may react with pain or discomfort when you touch or manipulate the injured area.
• Reluctance to walk or play: If your normally active pup becomes lethargic or uninterested in activities, it may be due to the pain caused by a broken toe.
• Changes in behavior: Dogs in pain may become more irritable or anxious. They might also groom excessively or bite at the injured area.

How Do Dogs Break Toes?

Dogs can break their toes through various accidents or injuries. Some common ways dogs can break their toes include:

• Getting stepped on: This is more common in smaller dogs with delicate bones, as their toes are more susceptible to fractures if accidentally stepped on by a person or another animal.
• Catching the toe in a slatted floor or between fence posts: Dogs that walk on surfaces with gaps, like wooden decks or fences, may accidentally catch their toes between the gaps and sustain fractures.
• Being hit by a car: Trauma from being struck by a vehicle can result in various injuries, including broken toes.
• Sustaining a bite wound to the foot: In dog fights or encounters with other animals, bites to the foot can lead to broken toes or other injuries.
• Jumping down from a height and landing wrong: Larger dogs, in particular, can break their toes when jumping from elevated surfaces like beds, sofas, or vehicles if they land awkwardly.
• Age-related or degenerative conditions: In some cases, older dogs with weakened bones or dogs with pre-existing conditions like osteoporosis may be more susceptible to toe fractures even with minimal trauma.

Can a Dog Walk on a Broken Toe?

Yes, a dog can sometimes walk on a broken toe, depending on the severity and location of the fracture. Dogs have a strong instinct to keep moving, and they may continue to walk or bear weight on the injured paw, even if a toe is broken. However, their gait may be altered, and they may limp or show signs of discomfort.

Even if a dog appears to be walking on a broken toe, it is essential to have the injury assessed by a veterinarian. Walking on a broken toe can exacerbate the injury, cause additional damage, and delay the healing process. A veterinarian can provide a proper diagnosis, recommend treatment options, and prescribe pain management to ensure the dog's comfort and a faster recovery.

How Vets Diagnose Broken Toes in Dogs?

Veterinarians use a combination of physical examination, X-rays, and sometimes other diagnostic tests to diagnose broken toes in dogs. Here's how the process typically works:

Physical Examination

The veterinarian will start by performing a thorough physical examination of your dog. They will observe your dog's gait, look for signs of pain or discomfort, and palpate (feel) the affected paw and toe to assess for swelling, tenderness, or deformities.

X-rays (Radiographs)

X-rays are a valuable tool in diagnosing broken toes in dogs. They provide a detailed view of the bones, allowing the veterinarian to identify fractures, dislocations, or other abnormalities.
Sedation or anesthesia may be necessary to keep the dog still during the X-ray procedure, especially if the dog is in significant pain or discomfort.

Additional Tests

In some situations, the veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, to evaluate soft tissue damage or to get a more detailed look at the extent of the injury.
Blood tests may also be performed if there are concerns about underlying health issues or to check for infections, although these tests are not specific to diagnosing broken toes.

How to Treat a Dog's Broken Toe?

The treatment plan may include the following:

Rest and Immobilization

Mild fractures may heal with rest and limited activity. Your vet may recommend restricting your dog's movement and using a splint or bandage to immobilize the affected toe.

Medications

Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage pain and reduce swelling. These will be prescribed by your veterinarian and should only be given under their guidance. 

Your vet may prescribe: 

• Carprofen 

• Grapiprant

• Deracoxib

• Meloxicam 

Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce inflammation related to your dog’s injury. They also help reduce pain.

If your dog has an open wound, your vet may also recommend antibiotics or antibacterial spray to prevent infection, such as:

• Cephalexin

• Amoxicillin

• Amoxicillin / clavulanic acid (Clavamox)

Skin Spray for Wound Mainly used for trauma, interdigital inflammation, post-operative wounds, scratches, burns and ulcers, wounds in sterilization. Wound Healing and Pain Relief: Engineered to not only accelerate the wound healing process but also provide relief from associated discomfort and pain.

Surgery

Severe fractures or those involving multiple toes may require surgical intervention. Surgery may involve pinning or wiring the broken bones together to stabilize them during the healing process.

Follow-up Care

It's essential to follow your vet's instructions carefully and schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your dog's progress.

Rehabilitation

In some cases, physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to help your dog regain strength and mobility in the injured toe.

How Long Does a Dog's Broken Toe Take to Heal?

On average, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a broken toe in a dog to heal completely. Here are some general guidelines:

• Mild fractures: Hairline fractures or minor fractures that do not require surgical intervention may heal in as little as 2 to 4 weeks with proper care and rest.
• Moderate fractures: Fractures that are more severe but still amenable to conservative treatment (e.g., splinting or casting) may take around 4 to 8 weeks to heal. During this time, the dog should be restricted from strenuous activity.
• Severe fractures or surgical cases: If the fracture is complex, requires surgical repair, or involves multiple toes, the healing process may take longer. In such cases, it may take 8 weeks or more for the toe to fully heal.

Can a Dog's Broken Toe Heal on Its Own?

In some cases, a dog's broken toe may heal on its own. Such as minor fractures or hairline cracks in a dog's toe bone may have the potential to heal on their own with rest and limited activity. These fractures may not cause significant displacement or instability. However, fractures that result in significant displacement or misalignment of the bone are less likely to heal without intervention.

Even if a broken toe has the potential to heal on its own, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. They may recommend conservative treatment options such as rest, immobilization with a splint, or a cast, along with pain management to ensure the dog's comfort and optimize the healing process.

What Are the Signs that My Dog's Broken Toe is Healing Properly?

Monitoring the healing process of your dog's broken toe is crucial to ensure that it's progressing as expected. Here are some signs that indicate your dog's broken toe is healing properly:

• Reduced pain and discomfort.
• Improved weight-bearing.
• If your dog's broken toe was set or splinted, check that the toe maintains proper alignment. It should not appear visibly misaligned or crooked.
• Gradual return to normal activity.

If follow-up X-rays are performed, your veterinarian will assess the progress of the healing process. They should be able to observe signs of bone remodeling and the gradual closing of the fracture line.

How Can I Make My Home Safer to Prevent Future Injuries?

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your dog suffering a broken toe:

• Supervision: Keep a watchful eye on your dog during playtime, especially in unfamiliar environments or around other dogs.
• Proper fencing: Ensure your yard is secure, so your dog can't escape and potentially injure themselves outside.
• Dog-proof your home: Be cautious with doors, gates, and other potential hazards inside your home to prevent accidents.

Conclusion

A broken toe in your dog can be a painful experience, but with prompt veterinary care and proper treatment, most dogs can recover fully. It's essential to be vigilant about your dog's health, and if you suspect any injury, consult your veterinarian immediately. By providing the necessary care and support, you can help your furry friend on their path to healing and happiness.