Hi Katie,

Pad injuries take forever to heal.  They will be really difficult if there is actually a crevice into the pad.  The pad is so sensitive as well that I’m surprised its actually comfortable.  If you left a wound to heal without stitches to close it, then it’s called ‘healing by second intention’.  The body needs to fill the gap with biological ‘glue’ and new tissue.  This takes time and as they walk on it, the wound can stretch and open, effectively erasing some of the progress it has made.  I expect this to take at least a month or two to heal.  If the infection sets in you may have a more serious/expensive problem to deal with as well.  That risk will always exist so I’d recommend you have a vet look at it. In the meantime, keep it protected with a boot, clean it daily, monitor for infection, and possibly apply Polysporin to prevent infection.

Good luck.

Dr. Clayton Greenway