SWOLLEN FRONT FOOT PAD

by LINA
(SYDNEY AUSTRALIA)

GUNTHER AT 12 WEEKS

Hi,
I have a 9 Months old Male Rottweiler and just yesterday afternoon he was limping on his front left foot. It is swollen just on the pad. I checked it if there was anything in it, like a bee string, or splinter. I checked his toe nails if he split them but nothing. I even soaked it in Epsom salts for 15 mins and still nothing. It is not hot to touch and he doesn’t lick it that much and there is no bad smell to it. He doesn’t seem to be in pain as he still wants to play.

The only conclusion is that he may have sprained it as he can be clumsy when he runs around in the yard. He still walks on it.

What could cause this? And when do i need to take him to the vet?

Hi Lina
What a handsome little man Gunther is!

As for his paw…. a sprain wouldn’t cause the pad to swell, rather you’d see the joint swell up or his actual leg.

Is it possible he stood on an insect that bit/stung him? That could cause this sort of localized swelling.

As he seems fine otherwise, and is walking on his foot and playing normally, I wouldn’t panic right away. However, if it’s not better withing 24 – 48 hours (max), then I would definitely have him examined by your vet to make sure there isn’t an infection or something lodged in there that you just can’t see.

BUT if it swells more, or he starts to show signs of being in pain or not feeling well, get him to a vet immediately and don’t wait that day or two.

Hope this helps, best of luck with your pup.