麻豆淫院

Between going on walks, running to the door, and jumping on the couch, many dogs spend most of their day on their feet. But when a dog's routine suddenly slows down, owners might not realize that the problem could be related to their pup's paws, or more specifically, to something hiding between their toes.

Dr. Christina Gentry, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, provides insight into recognizing and treating interdigital cysts in dogs.

Identifying the problem

Interdigital cysts are inflamed, swollen bumps that appear between a dog's toes, typically presenting on the front paws.

"Interdigital cysts鈥攁lso called interdigital furunculosis鈥攎ay be soft, firm, or somewhere in between," Gentry said. "They may or may not have open, draining wounds with bloody discharge."

Dog breeds prone to developing interdigital cysts include:

• American pit bull terriers
• Bulldogs
• Bull terriers
• French bulldogs
• Labrador retrievers

In the bully breeds, the condition is often the result of a combination of factors, including allergies, hair type, poor limb conformation, and obesity, according to Gentry.

Cysts may also be caused by a foreign body鈥攖ypically plant material like grass, sticks, and thorns or small pieces of metal鈥攂ecoming stuck between the toes.

Noticing the signs

Recognizing the changes in your pet's appearance and behavior can help in identifying interdigital cysts early on.

Owners may notice swelling between the toes, making them appear splayed apart. With further inspection, fluid drainage from the cysts may also be visible.

Other signs of interdigital cysts include:

• Lameness
• Walking tenderly
• Licking at feet
• Chewing at feet

Alleviating the issue

Interdigital cysts can lead to long-term consequences without a treatment plan in place, so consulting a veterinarian is vital.

"Interdigital cysts left untreated can cause dogs to change where they bear weight while walking鈥攍eading to joint pain in some patients," Gentry said. "Also, deep infections can develop in ruptured cysts, which can lead to chronic pain and tissue damage."

In order for a veterinarian to recommend a treatment plan, the underlying cause of the cyst must be identified through a physical examination and testing a sample of the fluid draining from the area.

"A single cyst due to a foreign body that is secondarily infected may require surgery and antibiotics for resolution," Gentry said.

"For dogs with cysts caused by allergies, chronic use of allergy medications or diet changes are likely required in addition to treating any secondary bacterial or yeast infection," she said. "Topical medications to reduce inflammation and treat the infection are often used in this scenario."

The most common mistake owners make when their pet has interdigital cysts is attempting to take matters into their own hands by opening or draining the cysts at home without consulting a veterinarian, which can lead to dangerous infections.

The best way to help an affected dog is to make an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as a potential cyst is spotted. Rapid intervention helps ensure the pet receives proper care and can return to its healthy and active life as soon as possible.