My dog's chipped paw healed. Is a follow-up X-ray really needed?

Question

6 weeks ago I took my 7y/o Staffy for an X-ray, the vet said the (5th digit) proximal metacarpal joint was chipped. The paw was dressed + anti-inflammatory given- bandage was changed weekly for 3 weeks & strict rest for 6 weeks. They want me to bring her back for a follow-up Xray- I'm wondering if this is really necessary or can I skip it and start walking her again? She is not limping and does not appear to be in any pain or discomfort. I just feel that it would be pointless (and expensive). Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 7 years and 6 months old | 15 lbs

Kevin Sanada, DVM · Accepted Answer

That's a fair question, but not one I could fully answer without knowing her case as well as your veterinarian. I'm sure the main reason they want to x-ray your dog again is to check that it healed properly before advising about walking her again. Sometimes these fractures don't heal and will need further treatment. The fact that she doesn't seem painful is encouraging that it has healed well, but it's still possible that it didn't. I think it would at-least be worth it to have her rechecked by your vet. We can often tell a great deal from physical exam. I would then ask your vet how necessary they think the x-ray is. It would be good to ask what the potential complications are and what would be the treatment for those complications. For instance: If Nahla had a non-healing fracture, they might recommend surgery to correct it. If surgery is not a feasible option for you (because of money), then the x-ray would not really be worthwhile. Vets usually offer the best treatment recommendations for their patients, then scale it back as necessary. That's likely the situation here. I hope that helps and Nahla is all healed.

My dog's chipped paw healed. Is a follow-up X-ray really needed?

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