Pododermatitis is a skin condition where the footpad becomes inflamed.

CAUSES:

Many cases are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. However, there are many possible causes for pododermatitis:

• Foreign objects that puncture the skin: grass, splinters of wood, thorns
• Foreign objects that accumulate on the skin: tar, gravel, sand
• Infections: bacteria, fungi
• Hormonal disorders: hypothyroidism
• Parasites
• Cuts, bruises
• Allergies
• Drug reactions
• Zinc-deficiency
• Cancer
• Immune disorders
• Canine distemper virus

SIGNS:

Pododermatitis can affect one or all of your dog’s feet. The exact signs are dependant on the cause. Look out for:

• Licking and biting feet
• Lameness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Thickening of skin
• Ulcers
• Wounds
• Hair loss on the feet

DIAGNOSIS:

Effective treatment depends on the cause of inflammation.

Your veterinarian will:

• Review medical history
• Attempt to determine if your dog has been exposed to something that can cause pododermatitis

Your veterinarian may also perform some of the following tests:

• Physical exam: for signs
• Skin scrapings: for parasites
• Biopsy: for lesions
• X-rays: to check if the bone is problematic
• Blood tests: to check for hormonal disorders
• Bacterial and fungal cultures
• Urinalysis

TREATMENT:

Veterinarian recommended treatment depends on the cause. Some examples:

Bacterial infection:

• Antibiotics
• Daily soak in salt water

Lesions:

• Surgery
• Daily soak in salt water

PREVENTION:

• Grooming: cut excess hair from between the toes to prevent foreign objects from accumulating in the footpad
• Environment change: move your pet between concrete and grass or between nylon carpets and wool carpets

PROGNOSIS:

Depending on the diagnosis, most dogs respond well to treatment and can enjoy normal lives.

Some dogs do not respond to treatment and have recurrences. Dogs with allergies or immune disorders may have recurring inflammations.