Quote Originally Posted by Jakesmom
Could you put a booty on it when she is outside so she doesn't get the ice balls?
Yes, that's what I did. We keep a set of sled dog booties as she has had a couple paw injuries. Seems to be better now, it shrunk back down. Our vet's biggest concern was the difficulty of getting a pad to heal, because after cutting something this size out, there's not much skin to cover the wound, and it's tough to keep them off of it. I'll see what he says now. If he doesn't feel comfortable removing it, I'll ask for a referral to a vet who can do laser surgery. I appreciate everyone's input & concerns. You've given me several things to look into.

Amy, it's so weird, we hardly had any snow, and she's never gotten big ice balls like this before. I don't usually trim their paws in winter because the fur actually helps their grip on icy surfaces.