Sores on a dog's paws

Pododermatitis on the paws of dogs: symptoms and treatment | at home

Pododermatitis in dogs is a fairly common occurrence. It is better to entrust its treatment to a specialist, since inflammation in dogs’ paws indicates the development of some disease or disruption of various processes in the body.

That is, pododermatitis is a secondary manifestation of some pathology. Its treatment can be done at home, however, a veterinarian's consultation is required first.

The doctor must determine the true cause of pododermatitis in the dog in order to prescribe adequate therapy.

1 Reasons
2 Symptoms
3 Diagnostics
4 Treatment
5 Prevention

Causes

Pododermatitis is an inflammation of the outer tissue of the limbs. It can be infectious (the penetration of a bacterial infection) or aseptic (mechanical damage) in nature. The pathology causes significant discomfort to the dog and can cause lameness. In advanced forms, inflammation spreads to other tissues.

The disease occurs in areas of the limbs that come into contact with the ground. Basically, localization is noted on the paws in the space between the toes and on the pads. Also, the inflammatory process can spread to the nail bed, which in the future leads to loss of the claw.

Pododermatitis itself is not an independent disease. It develops against the background of certain pathologies that lead to a decrease in the body’s protective functions - weaken the immune system. Provoking factors may be:

immunological disorders (thrombocytopenia, periarteritis nodosa, systemic lupus erythematosus);
fungal skin infection (mycosis);
the presence of parasites (helminths, ticks, fleas, etc.);
contact with an allergen;
endocrine disorders and metabolic diseases (hypo- and hyperthyroidism, hypercortisolism, diabetes mellitus);
oncological pathologies (negatively affecting the entire body, regardless of the location of the primary focus, blocking the functioning of the immune system).

In addition to internal pathologies, pododermatitis can develop against the background of mechanical damage to the skin:

with injury to the paw pad;
with prolonged contact of the paws with a rough surface (for example, asphalt), which causes irritation and cracks in the pads;
when the paw is injured by a sharp or prickly object.

There is also a genetic predisposition to pododermatitis. This pathology is most often observed in dogs of the following breeds:

Labrador;
Doberman;
Dalmatian;
Shar Pei;
dachshund.

Symptoms

Pododermatitis affects the dog's limbs and causes significant difficulty in moving. The dog will limp and try not to lower its paw. The disease can progress and affect several limbs, which makes the situation worse.

When the first signs of illness appear, the owner should carefully examine the animal’s paws. If your dog shows signs of pododermatitis, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

The main symptoms of the pathology are:

lameness (if several limbs are affected, the animal will experience significant difficulties in moving);
redness of the skin between the toes and on the pads of the paws;
dry skin;
the presence of wounds on the skin of the interdigital spaces and pads;
the appearance of blisters with purulent or bloody contents.

Over time, swelling of the limb may occur. The affected areas will be tender and painful. The dog may withdraw its paw when the sore area is touched. She may constantly lick her paw in an attempt to relieve the pain and itching, but this will only irritate the skin further.

If you have characteristic symptoms, you should not postpone your visit to the doctor. This condition causes severe discomfort for the dog, so treatment must be started immediately.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of “pododermatitis” is established based on the clinical picture. The doctor will examine the dog and evaluate the condition of the affected area. If typical symptoms are present, an appropriate diagnosis will be made.

Since pododermatitis is a secondary pathology, it will be necessary to conduct a series of examinations to identify the true cause. This must be done so that during the treatment process not only the clinical manifestations are stopped, but the disease is eliminated completely or brought under control.

During the diagnostic process, the following examinations may be prescribed:

blood and urine tests;
cytological examination;
scraping for demodicosis and determining the presence of other skin parasites;
research to identify helminths;
determining the presence of a fungal infection;
allergy tests.

Additionally, specific blood tests may be prescribed to identify metabolic or immunological pathologies. You may need to consult a veterinary endocrinologist to rule out pathologies of the internal secretion organs.

Treatment

The specifics of therapy will depend on the type of pododermatitis and the degree of tissue damage.

With the aseptic form of the disease, you will initially need to carefully remove contaminating and damaging elements from the paw pads (debris, small branches and stones, glass).

The lesions are then treated with an antiseptic, such as streptocidal ointment, chlorhexidine or tetracycline. The affected area is treated several times a day until the wounds are completely healed.

If a bacterial infection occurs (purulent pododermatitis), a course of antibiotics is prescribed. It can be long-term: the drugs are given to the dog until all foci of inflammation disappear and for an additional two weeks. At the same time, the inflamed areas are treated with an antiseptic several times a day.

Treatment of pododermatitis in dogs at home should only be performed after consulting a specialist. It is important to determine the type of disease and prescribe appropriate therapy. It is also necessary to find out the root cause of the pathology. Otherwise, frequent relapses of the condition are possible.

Prevention

Pododermatitis can occur in dogs of any age or breed. But animals with weakened immune systems are more prone to it. Therefore, the main preventive measure is careful attention to the general condition of the pet’s body. In order to maintain the health of your tailed friend, you must follow the following rules:

Regularly undergo preventive examinations with a veterinarian.
In the presence of chronic pathologies, it is necessary to monitor the animal’s condition over time and follow the doctor’s recommendations.
Perform preventive vaccinations.
Provide the animal with a balanced diet.
Try to avoid contact with street animals as much as possible.
Treat against parasites in a timely manner.

To prevent the development of skin inflammation on the toes, you should:

wash your paws with soap after every walk;
monitor the cleanliness of the bedding and/or kennel;
Trim claws and hair between toes in a timely manner.

Some small breeds, such as the poodle or Yorkshire terrier, require special paw care. When walking in winter, it is recommended to apply special protective wax or use shoes for dogs. In this way, you can protect the animal’s sensitive paws from snow, salt and other products that are used during icy conditions.

Source: https://usatiki.ru/pododermatit-na-lapah-u-sobak-simptomy-i-lechenie/

Pododermatitis (interdigital pyoderma, flea dermatitis) in dogs: what is it, how to treat

That is, pododermatitis is a secondary manifestation of some pathology. Its treatment can be done at home, however, a veterinarian's consultation is required first.

The doctor must determine the true cause of pododermatitis in the dog in order to prescribe adequate therapy.

What is it about

Another name for pododermatitis is interdigital pyoderma; easily excitable dogs with “fine mental organization”, dachshunds, sharpeis, bulldogs, Great Danes, and boxers are prone to it. Pododermatitis is often diagnosed in Labrador retrievers as a result of compulsive licking between the toes of the front paws.

The inflammatory process affects places on the paws that are in more contact with the ground (snow, asphalt) - the pads. Redder spots appear on them and between the fingers, which gradually grow in width, covering areas of healthy skin.

In dogs living in the city, cases of pododermatitis increase in winter due to contact with snow sprinkled with reagents.

A weakened immune system provokes the development of opportunistic microflora that is constantly present on the skin (Malassezia), but for most of the dog’s life it is in “sleeping mode.”

Preventive measures

You need to keep an eye on your pet. After a walk, the paws should be washed and disinfected, and the hair between the toes should be trimmed.

You need to watch what your dog eats. Nutrition should be complete and balanced.
If your four-legged animal is kept in a kennel, you should clean it regularly.
It is important to pay attention to any changes in behavior and, if necessary, take your pet to the clinic.
If the cause of the disease is an allergen, it should be eliminated.

The therapy must be correct. Medicines are prescribed by a doctor, but dosages should not be exceeded. If your pet has an allergy, you should inform your veterinarian.

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Causes

If the skin is affected only in a few places, the disease proceeds well and even treatment at home is possible.

List of typical reasons:

Injuries. There are many factors that can lead to damage - stone impact, high or low temperatures, etc.
Foreign bodies. The seeds of some types of herbs penetrate the surface layers of the skin, causing an inflammatory process. Thorns and wood chips are also dangerous.
Tumors. In dogs after 5-6 years of age, pododermatitis develops due to the development of tumor-like processes, in particular squamous cell carcinoma, plasmacytoma, etc.

Extensive and severe lesions with bacterial pododermatitis in dogs can develop against the background of other diseases:

Hookworms, ticks, fleas, lice eaters.
Dermatophytosis or fungus.
Food allergy, the body's reaction to one or more components in the diet.
Pathologies of the endocrine system. More often, symptoms of pododermatitis accompany low levels of thyroid hormones, Cushing's syndrome, or excess production of adrenal hormones.
Malfunctions of the immune system.

Clinical picture and photographs of pododermatitis in dogs

The symptoms of the disease depend on what caused the inflammation. For example, if it is an infection, the pads will turn red and may become swollen. The temperature is locally elevated. Pustules and ulcers are noticeable, sometimes oozing pus is visible. If the disease is detected in a serious form, you may notice baldness of the dog's limbs.

With an allergic cause, the appearance of the skin is similar to the previous option, but the temperature does not increase. A significant difference is itching: the animal constantly licks and scratches its limbs. As a result of constant licking, the hair begins to fall out. The one that remains is constantly wet and sticky.

Important: If an allergy disease arises from contact with an allergen, only the pads will be inflamed, whereas in the case of a general allergy, pathology is observed on the face, ears, and body.

It’s bad if pododermatitis is caused by an autoimmune disease . In this case, ulcers and scabs appear throughout the body. The skin becomes dense, dark, and prone to allergies. This type of disease is not easy to detect because many complex tests are required.

If pododermatitis is caused by cancer, its manifestations depend on the type of tumor. Indurations, ulcers and neoplasms may occur. If you suspect a cancerous tumor, you should immediately consult a specialist. With every day of delay, the risk of death for the animal increases.

Characteristic symptoms

Signs of pododermatitis most often appear on the front legs.

What you can see:

severe redness of the skin;
formation of pustules;
formation of nodules.

Nodules, blisters, fistulas, bald spots and areas of skin with severe swelling are visually visible. Often the paws become itchy, which causes the dog to constantly lick them and further intensify the symptoms.

With a strong inflammatory process, lameness and enlargement of nearby lymph nodes may appear.

Prevention measures

The best prevention is careful adherence to the rules of keeping the animal - paw hygiene, organization of a healthy lifestyle, regular visits to the veterinarian.

To comply with these rules you must:

promptly shorten overgrown claws;
trim the hair growing between the toes and around the pillows;
regularly deworm and destroy skin parasites;
keep the dog clean;
wash paws after walks.

Be attentive to your pet. The sooner you notice symptoms and take action, the sooner recovery will occur.

Cracks or broken claws

The problem appears if, after an injury to the paws or claws, the dog is not given timely help. The dog limps and whines when examined, and there is suppuration or a nail falling off in the paw. To avoid its complete loss, softening compresses with oil are made, and the claw is treated with antiseptics.

Treatment Basics

The entire treatment process is based on the cause that provoked the symptoms of pododermatitis. Treatment at home is not prohibited, but the dog must be under constant supervision.

Prescriptions of drugs are made by a veterinarian; using ointments, injections or antibacterial agents on your own is not recommended; an incorrectly used treatment regimen will, at best, not bring results. At worst, it will worsen symptoms.

Source: https://murashdom.ru/zdorove/pododermatit-u-sobak.html

Clinical picture and photographs of pododermatitis in dogs

Important: If an allergy disease arises from contact with an allergen, only the pads will be inflamed, whereas in the case of a general allergy, pathology is observed on the face, ears, and body.

Is it possible to treat pododermatitis on your own in a dog?

Pododermatitis is often detected in dogs. The disease occurs against the background of other pathologies and has predisposing factors. Pododermatitis requires complex treatment; if you suspect this disease, you need to show your pet to a veterinarian! Research is carried out to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor collects anamnesis and performs differential diagnostics.

Characteristics of the disease, clinical picture

Pododermatitis (not to be confused with dermatitis) affects the quality of life. The disease leads to inflammation of the paws; the pads and nearby skin are involved in the pathological process. Bacterial pododermatitis is common and occurs when microbes enter the body. The second name for pododermatitis is pyoderma. How to recognize the disease?

It is worth paying attention to how your pet behaves. With pododermatitis, he begins to intensively clean his paws.

You need to look at the pads; as the disease develops, they are red and wet.
The disease manifests itself as sores on the pads.
Vesicles filled with blood form on the paws.
A characteristic symptom is swelling of the paws.
With pododermatitis, the animal limps.

The disease can manifest itself as purulent processes; it develops under the influence of certain factors.

Causes and predisposing factors

If your dog has signs of fungal or bacterial diseases, pododermatitis is possible. Allergic pododermatitis is common, it requires special treatment, and it is important to eliminate the source of the allergy. Pets are also affected by fungal pododermatitis.

If a dog has an autoimmune pathology, he is predisposed to this skin disease.
Pyoderma occurs against the background of tumors.
A common cause of the disease is allergies. In this case, pyoderma is accompanied by severe itching. The dog “pulls out” its paws, which makes them even redder.
The predisposing factor is paw injury. If a pet steps on a thorn or piece of glass, infection occurs, resulting in this pathology.
The pathology is often associated with allergies.
If a pet shows hypersensitivity to food, cat hair, household chemicals, symptoms of an allergic disease arise, and pyodermitis develops in parallel.
In some dogs, the disease is diagnosed due to a parasitic infection.
The breeder needs to examine the pet’s fur, and if fleas and ticks are detected, begin treatment.
Experts believe that certain breeds are susceptible to this disease: dachshund, German shepherd, Labrador.

Diagnostic measures

To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a cytological diagnosis. Doctors identify or deny purulent reactions. A smear is examined. The severity of the disease is determined.

Some dogs have limited skin lesions, while others have extensive skin lesions. Differential diagnosis allows you to distinguish pathology from others, such as demodicosis. It is equally important to differentiate pathology from fungal infections.

Pododermatitis in dogs is divided into 2 types.

Aseptic occurs due to the fact that the pet injures its paws. The disease is associated with skin damage. To avoid aseptic pyodermatitis, you need to monitor your quadruped. Do not let him go to places where there is garbage, fragments, or sharp objects. Aseptic disease leads to lameness.

The animal is limping because it feels pain when walking. Some dogs develop a fever. Before treating pododermatitis in dogs, you need to clean the pads. If the breeder suspects this disease in a pet, it is worth contacting a veterinarian.

Novocain can be used to cleanse paws.

Purulent pododermatitis is divided into deep and superficial. If a dog is diagnosed with this disease, it means that the tissue structures are damaged. In this case, the pet limps. Purulent pododermatitis is more dangerous, since purulent pathogens penetrate under the skin. As the disease progresses, the dog limps and the temperature rises.

How is therapy carried out?

The veterinarian determines the cause and extent of the disease. Antiseptics and antibacterial agents are prescribed for treatment. To avoid the development of an infectious process, you need to maintain hygiene.

The paws should be cleaned of dirt, dust, and foreign particles. The pads need to be washed. It is necessary to treat the pathology that is the root cause.

Antibacterial medications are taken until the illness subsides.

Complex therapy includes antibiotics. Treatment of pododermatitis in dogs at home should be long-term. The pathology can worsen and often recurs in the spring. If pyodermatitis progresses to severe stages, surgery is prescribed.

Surgery is necessary if the disease poses a threat to health. The areas of inflammation are opened, and purulent foci are removed.

To improve the condition of the skin, you need to use herbal lotions; they help overcome itching.

If the pathology is associated with food allergies, it must be included in special foods; they must contain hypoallergenic products.

Before purchasing, you should consult your doctor! If you use the food for 2.5 months, the body will adapt to the therapeutic diet and forget about the allergen.

Feeds are used in addition to the main therapy; they improve skin condition, promote hair growth, and reduce swelling and itching. Proper therapy can help your pet get rid of lameness.

Treatment of allergic pododermatitis is not complete without diet. If the breeder refuses to use feed, it is necessary to include hypoallergenic products in the diet. The dog should be protected from contact with cosmetics, household chemicals, pollen, and fur of other animals.

Treatment must be comprehensive. The doctor may prescribe combination therapy using antihistamines and antibacterial agents. Medicines are recommended to prevent mycosis. Treatment is individual, in each case the doctor selects the optimal tactics.

The autoimmune form of the disease can be confused with an allergic one. Autoimmune pododermatitis affects the quality of life and is severe. In some dogs, the disease lasts 10 years and can lead to myositis. Not only young, but also older pets are prone to pathology. Pyodermatitis manifests itself as lameness and pain in the pads.

Therapy for autoimmune pododermatitis

If the animal is overweight and large areas of skin are affected, the prognosis is disappointing. Autoimmune dermatitis must be identified and treated as soon as possible.

To treat this type of disease, Dexafort injections are prescribed; they eliminate inflammatory reactions. Dexafort acts instantly, the animal feels relief in the first hours. Dexafort is a hormonal medicine, it is used with the permission of a doctor.

The drug helps eliminate inflammatory and allergic reactions, and also relieves swelling.

The effect of Dexafort lasts an hour, the maximum duration is 5 days. One injection is enough for 7 days. The treatment of autoimmune pododermatitis requires complex therapy.

Dexafort can be prescribed if emergency assistance is required. The drug is not used for a long time. Dosages and frequency of use vary. To treat autoimmune pododermatitis, hormonal agents are needed.

If the symptoms of the pathology have been eliminated, the doctor prescribes hormones.

Treatment is not complete without Prednisolone. The medicine in tablets eliminates inflammation and relieves swelling. It is important to treat fistulas; autoimmune pododermatitis can lead to such ailments.

It is necessary to treat the paws in a timely manner, otherwise the disease will cause complications. To eliminate the fistula, the doctor uses hydrogen peroxide, the drug "Levomekol".

Medicines are administered intramuscularly, they help remove dead cells.

How to treat pododermatitis on a dog’s paws between the toes

The soles of dogs' paws are often affected by a common disease called pododermatitis. It is of a secondary nature and occurs as a result of inflammatory or autoimmune disorders in the animal’s body.

general information

The owner of a cheerful, cheerful and active pet suddenly notices that the dog has stopped loving to walk. During walks he limps heavily, and at home he constantly licks his paws. An external examination shows that the pads and interdigital spaces are inflamed, reddened, and the hair around them is moist. If this is the case, there is every reason to assume that the dog has pododermatitis.

Bulldogs, German shepherds, Pekingese, Shar Peis, Chow Chows, Labradors, Mastiffs, Boxers, and Bull Terriers are especially susceptible to the disease. Pododermatitis is especially difficult in overweight dogs.

Treatment options

There is no general scheme for treating pododermatitis in dogs. In each case, an individual approach is important.

Treatment tactics depend on the diagnostic results. The goal is to combat the causative agent of the underlying disease.

Based on the examination results, the following treatment may be prescribed:

treatment of affected areas with antiseptic agents;
antibacterial therapy;
surgical intervention;
antifungal therapy;
antihistamines;
dietary nutrition;
lifelong maintenance therapy.

The choice of treatment method depends on what type of pododermatitis (type of inflammation) you are experiencing.

Aseptic pododermatitis

It manifests itself as a persistent inflammatory process and pain syndrome. There is no purulent tissue damage. The main treatment is thorough treatment with antiseptic drugs. It is carried out by the owner himself.

Purulent pododermatitis

A disease complicated by purulent tissue infection. This species has pronounced symptoms: the dog groans in pain and the body temperature rises. Antimicrobial therapy is indicated for the treatment of purulent pododermatitis. And in severe cases, surgery may be required. The doctor opens the abscesses and rinses the cavities with an antiseptic and antibiotics.

Description and reasons

Most often, the skin disease manifests itself in cold conditions with high humidity. This is the end of autumn, winter and beginning of spring, which is characterized by snow and slush, which directly affects the dog's paws. Under the influence of dampness, pododermatitis occurs, covering the areas of the pads and the places between the fingers.

The main danger of the disease is that it is a secondary infection and often indicates the presence of a more serious illness. Thus, inflammatory and necrotic processes in the tissues of the paws can develop against the background of:

invasions of endo- and ectoparasites (helminths, fleas, external and subcutaneous ticks);
hormonal disorders;
autoimmune diseases such as lupus, vasculitis, erythema;
allergies;
oncology.

In addition, the causes of the development of dermatitis can be mechanical damage caused by excessive walking on paved areas, as well as foreign bodies. Cracks and injuries to the pads, combined with dampness and unsanitary conditions in the environment, are ideal conditions for the development of a fungal form of the disease, as well as damage by staphylococcus, streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other infectious pathogens. They are the ones that cause bactericidal pododermatitis in dogs, which is diagnosed in most cases.

It is also interesting that sometimes the dogs themselves are the culprits of skin diseases. Active animals with a high level of nervous system excitability sometimes have the bad habit of constantly licking their paws. Thus, they provoke irritation and, consequently, dermatitis.

Pododermatitis in dogs

When taking a dog into your home, you need to be prepared for a lot of hassle, both pleasant and not so pleasant. Like people, animals are susceptible to many diseases, but unlike a person who can clearly describe how they are feeling, a dog will suffer in silence.

Pododermatitis is a fairly common disease characterized by an inflammatory process in the interdigital space and on the pads of a dog’s paws. Severe pain that occurs when moving forces the animal to move less. An attentive and responsible owner will easily identify changes in his dog's behavior and immediately take him to the veterinarian.

Causes of the disease

Pododermatitis in dogs is always a secondary disease that develops against the background of some underlying disease. Veterinary experts believe that pododermatitis occurs in animals with weak immunity. Before starting treatment for dermatitis, it is important to first find out the true cause of its development, otherwise the therapy will be ineffective.

The main causes of pododermatitis are:

fungal skin infections;
disturbances in the hormonal system, endocrine diseases;
the presence of parasites in the animal’s body (fleas, ticks, helminths);
allergic dermatitis (contact or food);
cancerous tumors;
bacterial infections caused by staphylococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc.;
autoimmune diseases (vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus);
various injuries and cracks on the pads of the paws and fingers;
getting glass, sharp objects and thorns under the skin of the paws;
irritating factor (asphalt pavement, reagents added when ice occurs in winter).

Some dog breeds (Labradors, German Shepherds, Dachshunds and Pekingese) are particularly susceptible to pododermatitis. It is in these breeds that the disease is diagnosed more often than in other animals.

Symptoms of pododermatitis in dogs

Depending on the cause that provoked pododermatitis, the symptoms of the disease will vary significantly, but there are also general signs of the disease that are characteristic of all forms of pododermatitis:

The dog's limbs swell and become swollen.
The animal begins to limp, and if the disease is particularly severe, the dog may completely lose motor function.
The pet constantly licks its paws and looks restless.
In the space between the toes and on the pads of the paws, the skin, as a rule, becomes very red, inflamed, and the animal feels sore. The formation of fistulas, wounds, and abscesses often occurs.

The development of pododermatitis due to fungus or bacterial microflora is accompanied by redness, inflammation and swelling of the areas between the toes and paw pads. Often ulcers and ulcers form on the affected areas. Local body temperature rises.

Allergies that appear after contact with various reagents cause symptoms of pododermatitis such as:

redness and inflammation of the skin;
very severe itching on the paws, fingers can hardly be distinguished due to scratching (the skin is so torn);
baldness of the paws (hair rapidly thins and falls out).

General allergies have similar symptoms to contact allergies, but the affected areas are concentrated not only on the dog’s limbs, but also on other parts of the animal’s body (the muzzle most often suffers).

Pododermatitis, which appears against the background of autoimmune diseases, is more difficult to diagnose than all other forms of the disease. To identify this type of dermatitis, you will need to undergo many tests. The symptoms are similar to allergic pododermatitis, but there are still some differences: the skin of the paw pads becomes very thick and darkens.

The endocrine factor of pododermatitis is manifested by severe redness and inflammation of the skin in the interdigital space.

Pododermatitis of an oncological nature is considered the most dangerous and is characterized by the appearance of various neoplasms, growths and ulcers on the pet’s body.

Find out also about other skin diseases in dogs >>>

Treatment of pododermatitis in dogs

Treatment methods directly depend on the cause of the disease. There are no general treatment tactics; treatment is selected individually for each sick animal.

The following methods are mainly prescribed:

use of antimicrobial drugs;
use of antifungal agents;
antihistamine therapy;
treating affected skin with antiseptics;
lifelong use of certain medications;
special diet;
surgical intervention.

The veterinarian prescribes treatment depending on the type of pododermatitis identified in the sick dog:

The aseptic appearance is characterized by persistent inflammation and severe pain. Tissue damage is usually not accompanied by a purulent process. Treatment at home is aimed at daily treatment of wounds with antiseptic agents.
The purulent form of pododermatitis occurs with the addition of a purulent infection. The symptoms of purulent dermatitis are so vivid (severe pain, high temperature) that there is no doubt about the diagnosis. This form of the disease should be treated only with antimicrobial drugs. In particularly severe cases, surgery is prescribed to remove the affected tissue.

Treatment of pododermatitis is very long, but even after a positive outcome of therapy, relapses of the disease are often observed (especially in winter and autumn).

Other causes of the disease

Diseases of the pancreas and liver can also trigger the appearance of pododermatitis. The paw pads become very hard and hard, the spaces between the toes also become coarser, and deep, unpleasant-looking cracks Small wounds, ulcers and erosions occur on all visible mucous membranes. Making a diagnosis is difficult - systemic examinations of the dog’s body are required, tissue samples are taken (biopsy).

Fungi are the second common cause of paw pad inflammation. Pathogenic fungi fall on the paws while the animal moves through the soil. The worst thing is when the claws are affected: they become “loose” and grow into the interdigital spaces. This type of pododermatitis is very difficult.

Please note that this variant of the disease can also be dangerous for people.

Sometimes the disease develops against the background of scabies . There is a pruritic variety (which is contagious to other animals and people) and demodicosis , which is theoretically non-contagious. With demodicosis, damage to the paw pads is quite typical - they become very swollen and painful.

Also, with tick-borne infections, the likelihood of inflammation significantly increases due to the action of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora. To make an accurate diagnosis, your veterinarian will take several skin scrapings. If your dog is under two years of age, it is recommended that he be neutered, as demodicosis is now considered a hereditary disease. It is undesirable for the pathology to spread.

Pododermatitis: how to help your dog

Pododermatitis is a disease of the paw pads in dogs. The causes of inflammation can be different: an allergic reaction, infection, hormones, chemical burns (salt or reagents on asphalt), cancer.

Photo. This is what pododermatitis looks like in a dog.

So that the veterinarian can quickly and accurately identify the cause, it is necessary to prepare answers to the following questions:

There is a dog living in an urban or rural area:
inflammation is chronic, worsens during the seasons, or is this a primary treatment;
lesions are present only on the pads, or other parts of the body have lesions;
whether treatment was carried out using home methods;
whether the animal’s diet has changed;
whether there were trips to another area;
Are there other problems?

After analyzing the answers and observing the animal, the specialist will be able to decide what scheme the dog should be treated with, how to do it and how long the treatment will last.

Causes of pododermatitis in dogs

There may be several causes for this disease.

The main causes of pad damage are as follows:

bacteria of staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, streptococcus and some other species;
fungus. Any type of pathogenic fungus can cause inflammation of the pads;
allergies: seasonal, contact, food - any type;
parasites. Often, inflammation is caused by scabies, soil-borne hookworms or nematodes;
autoimmune diseases. Among the pathologies that cause pododermatitis, erythema, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, epidermal necrolysis should be highlighted;
hormones. Hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease. Quite often it occurs as a result of liver dysfunction;
oncology . Most often, pododermatitis occurs as a result of the development of melanoma, exocrine adenocarcinoma, and inverted papilloma.

Important : You should know that the delicate skin of the pads can be damaged during long walks on asphalt. It is especially harmful to walk with a dog on streets treated with anti-ice reagents.

Diagnosis and treatment of pododermatitis in dogs

Base diagnosis on symptoms and medical history. Additional tests will depend on your medical history. It is necessary to take a smear and scraping from the lesion.

Treatment for pododermatitis in dogs is quite long.

To cure pododermatitis, it is necessary to get rid of the cause that caused it. Treatment takes quite a long time, and the likelihood of relapse is high.

Traumatic and contact dermatitis

At the slightest sign of dermatitis, you should immediately contact a specialist. Some breeds require specialized care to reduce the likelihood of getting sick.

Pekingese, terriers, poodles and other breeds need to have their hair trimmed between their toes and their nails trimmed in a timely manner. After walking with the animal, you need to wash the paws well and wipe them dry.

Some types of pododermatitis worsen in the off-season.

Symptoms stop after exposure to the cause that caused the lesion.

Important: If the streets are treated with reagents, the dog should wear shoes. If the animal actively objects, you need to rub its paws with a special product.

Allergic dermatitis

This type of pododermatitis is the most difficult to cure. In this case, lesions occur not only on the paws, but throughout the body. The first signs appear on the ears, face, and tail. If a food allergy is suspected, the dog must be placed on a hypoallergenic diet for at least 10 weeks.

Allergic dermatitis is extremely difficult to treat.

The improvement is easy to notice - the lesions disappear, the dog feels better, and the bald patches are covered with hair again.

If there is no improvement, it is most likely atopic dermatitis. In this case, the allergen is any environmental factor: dust, fluff, pollen, odors, etc.

It is not always possible to identify the allergen, so treatment is aimed at curing the fungus or bacteria. An excellent assistant in this is immunocorrective therapy.

Staphylococcal dermatitis

The causative agents of this type of disease can also be found in healthy animals. Reduced immunity leads to the proliferation of bacteria and the formation of dermatitis. If you increase immunity and carry out antibacterial treatment, the animal will quickly return to shape.

Important: To alleviate the animal’s condition, lotions of herbal infusions should be made. To relieve itching and relieve pain, echinacea is suitable. For healing, it is better to use chamomile or comfrey. Calendula will fight infection.

Prevention of pododermatitis – maintaining the health of the animal. Correct, nutritious food, timely exercise, and psychological comfort are necessary.

Source: https://sobaki-pesiki.ru/pododermatit-u-sobak.html