Smalahundur Posted September 25, 2014 Report Share Posted September 25, 2014 The work in the annual round up proved too intense for Gláma´s pads. Last weekend we were gathering sheep for two long days in a row, in an area with very abrasive terrain. Of course she did not show any signs of discomfort before we came home but after some rest she walked on three feet Sunday evening. No bleeding or blistering, just worn down smooth, worst on her left hind foot (which she held up first days after this). I think it was not just last weekend that caused this, we have been at it since end of august, so most likely cumulative. Though still sensitive, she now mostly walks on all her feet again. I use a salve to ease her discomfort. ("skin repair" topical stuff). Problem is most likely we go again next Saturday or Sunday. This is a shorter single day trip not as intense as last weekend. But I don´t feel good about it. Worst case scenario, leave her at home and go without a dog... So my question is what do you use to prevent such problems, boots? Heard some people advocating "musher´s secret", but wonder if it is smart to use under (relatively) warm conditions, isn´t that stuff designed to protect against snow/ice, rather than abrasion by rocky/sandy conditions? What would you use under such conditions? Also interested to hear about tips to let this heal this as quickly as possible (though I am afraid "patience/rest is the only realistic answer here). Well at least I was right about getting that second dog to spread the workload, he is just not ready yet for the big work... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted September 25, 2014 Report Share Posted September 25, 2014 Vicki Close makes a product...Tough Foot? It may be under Handhill Border Collies though. I've heard nothing but good about this product! Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC Posted September 25, 2014 Report Share Posted September 25, 2014 Here is a link to the Tuff N Up product. Vickie says it works to toughen/protect feet on rough ground, and also aids healing. I too have only heard good things about it. I'm sure she would do what she could to get it mailed ASAP. I like your idea of having boots available. I'm thinking the kind that mushers use. I carry them for our infrequent dog skijoring expeditions to wear in the event the snow conditions are such that it accumulates between her pads, or to get her back to the car if she becomes lame. So far, they are unused and remain in a back-up role. After the gather is complete and everything is settled, please give us a narrative of your adventures. I always look forward to it. Good thoughts for Gla'ma. -- Kind regards, TEC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted September 25, 2014 Report Share Posted September 25, 2014 If I have a dog with a torn/worn pad and an immediate need to use that dog, I will use something medicated (mainly to keep padding from sticking to the abraded part of the pad) on the foot, followed by guaze pads for padding, all secured in place with vet wrap. I will usually add sports tape on the foot (over the vet wrap) for added durability (because they will wear through vet wrap), and elasticon tape at the top to help everything stay in place. I may or may not cover that with a boot. If the dog is mostly doing straightforward driving then a boot will usually stay on, but dogs often seem to lose them when they are doing outruns and the like. Note: This would be in cases where I didn't have a choice and needed to use the dog for work. Otherwise, I'd just give the dog some time off and let it heal. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Point Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 I like these better than any other booty I've tried... Most either flip around or outright fall off. These are just regular socks with an expanded and dipped rubber paw section. #5 is a good size for a typical BC. Just get a roll of black electricians tape and a put a few wraps around the ankle to keep them on. It doesn't need to be too tight. They last quite a long time before the toe opens up and even then they are still very useable like that. Although now a little tattered... 3 sets have lasted 6 months of daily heavy use with my draggy footed Tio. And...they're cheap. http://www.ebay.com/itm/291043815484?var=590208412777&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmbc Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 happened to my dog this summer. Musher's secret was what I used. we didn't work him for 3-4 days until his pads started to show signs of heeling, then used gauze and vet wrap on his paws when he worked for a bout two weeks. changed out the gauze frequenty and let his paws breath, but use the musher's secret and applied a couple times a day. it really did heal him up fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smalahundur Posted September 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I have the problem Julie mentions; Just one trained dog (at the moment). And regularly circumstances you really really need that dog (they have this way of becoming indispensable quickly). Last Thursday just as I had come home from work, my neighbor calls; he is approaching our farm from a trip in the hills on his quad (or how do do call the six wheeled equivalent?), he is driving 18 of mostly our sheep (in a kinda funny way as his dog is tied on his vehicle, other story...). Problem is that near the farm coming down the hill the terrain becomes difficult for the quad, and chances would be high the sheep would scatter and escape. So yeah. I take Gláma out to meet him. She did a good job, and the funny thing was, during and after this short work, she stopped lifting this hind foot, maybe she held it up til then up more out of habit than actual soreness...But as I said in the opening post there was no blistering or bleeding. Looks like there is no gathering planned this weekend, so she can still rest an recuperate. And she is doing well, walking normal again. But I would not have liked to work her hard so soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gideon's girl Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 I've heard lots of BC owners say that they never knew their dog was hurt until work was finished. I really think that the job is so important to them that they can and do ignore pain and minor discomfort to do the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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