Interdigital ‘cysts’ are a common, recurrent and painful problem in many dogs. Treating the secondary infections will often result in only a short to medium term resolution. Recurrence is very likely unless the primary cause is detected & treated. The paw(s) may be inflamed only, or inflamed and infected with any combination of microbes (bacteria &/or yeasts), and/or with parasites.
The factors, causing Pododermatitis, digital and interdigital inflammation and infection, can be divided into four categories – primary, predisposing, perpetuating & secondary – listed below. Many of these factors, often in combination, can lead to the development of interdigital ‘cysts’.
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Primary causes
These factors directly induce paw inflammation (pododermatitis):
Some of these factors can be considered Primary too.
Increased weight bearing on haired palmar and plantar pad margins → tissue hypertrophy and hyperplasia → focal hairshaft trauma → furunculosis → subcutaneous keratin-driven inflammation (endogenous foreign body reaction)
Perpetuating causes
These factors prevent complete resolution of the disease, sometimes permanently.
Chronic, severe lymphocytic-plasmacytic inflammation Persistent endogenous foreign body reaction (keratin) Progressive pathological changes (from chronic inflammation and recurrent infections) – Destructive osteomyelitis, Dermal fibrosis – scarring, Epidermal hyperkeratosis, Follicilitis and furunculosis, Glandular hyperplasia/dilatation, Hidradenitis, Hyperplasia and Hypertrophy – increased epithelial folds/abnormal new pad growth/conjoined pads; Oedema – swelling
Secondary infections
Microbial infections, which are almost never primary, often cause the more acute clinical signs and this further progression leads to another visit to the Vet.
Therefore the more interdigital granulomas that a patient undergoes the more difficult it may be to reverse the progression of paw inflammation (pododermatitis).
Eventually permanent damage will ensue and surgical treatment will be the only option through re-referral to a Soft Tissue Surgeon for major salvage surgery (surgical laser ablation or fusion podoplasty).
(Charlie is) contactable & approachable when dealing with difficult dermatological cases – great advice and overall good service.”
Referring Principal Vet: Dr Aled Thomas BVetMed MRCVS, St. Annes Veterinary Group, Eastbourne
…a huge improvement on what he was like before we originally saw you. He seems much much happier in himself which has been noticed by everyone, so I can’t thank you enough’
Mr Colin Wynn, Labrador Retriever ‘Bruno’ (chronic pododermatitis)
…He is now back to being very puppy like, always wanting to play, and has lost a bit of weight! …We have our joyous dog back thanks to your help…We can't thank you enough for returning our very playful dog back to us. Many thanks.
Clients Mr Richard & Mrs Sarah Wilkinson, Labrador Retriever ‘Alfie’ (chronic pododermatitis)
‘Rosy’ has made very good progress over the past weeks. She is pretty much clear of redness/rawness on her skin & her interdigital ‘cysts’) are hugely improved (barely visible at the moment). Thank you for your kind care & patience with Rosy. We will look forward to seeing you in a few months.