The red bumps on your dog’s paws are called interdigital cysts. These cysts look like red nodules filled with pus or blood. Dogs with interdigital cysts limb when they walk on uneven terrains because of the pain.
Causes
There are many causes of interdigital cysts. They include hair coat, paw shape, walking difficulty, obesity, environment, and itchy behavior such as licking.
Treatment
Medical therapy
The red bumps can be treated using oral medications or topical anti-inflammatories such as antibiotics and steroids. Severe cases require these drugs for up to four weeks after symptoms disappear.
Antibiotics can elevate the symptoms but can’t treat the underlying cause. The problem may recur if you rely on antibiotics alone. Dogs may need oral or injectable systemic antibiotics for four weeks.
Topic anti-inflammatories are excellent when dealing with one lesion. Resistant dogs with multiple lesions require oral anti-inflammatories.
Surgery
Surgery involves removing the affected webbing and stitching adjacent toes together. It prevents the webbing from regrowing. The procedure is effective but can change the shape of the affected paw. This may cause orthopedic issues in the future.
Postoperative care is usually demanding and time-intensive. You may be required to change the bandage twice a day. You must control the underlying conditions because pain and foot licking may still occur.
CO2 laser treatment
CO2 lasers can eliminate thin, unhealthy layers of the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue. It doesn’t tamper with the paw’s shape. Multiple laser procedures may be required to treat the problem fully.
Recovery and management
Successful recovery from these red bumps can take months, depending on the management. It involves minimizing exposure to traumas, managing the cause of underlying trauma, and regrowth of healthy skin. Factors that may prevent complete healing include hard or wet environments, uneven surfaces, uncontrolled allergies, and dirty allergies.
Interdigital cysts should be taken seriously because they are painful and can cause bigger problems. Dog owners are advised to visit the vet immediately after noticing the problem.
