Spontaneous healing of a trophic ulcer of the metatarsal pad in a dog.

Abstract

A two-year-old whippet cross presented with a large ulcer of the right metatarsal pad. Laceration of the plantar aspect of the metatarsal region involving the flexor tendons had occurred 10 days prior to ulcer formation. Pain sensation was absent distal to the wound, indicating tibial nerve damage. A presumptive diagnosis of trophic ulceration of the metatarsal pad secondary to tibial nerve injury was made. Sensory nerve function returned within 14 weeks and the trophic ulcer subsequently healed. Spontaneous resolution of trophic ulceration has been reported in humans but, to the authors' knowledge, not in dogs.