What is pododermatitis?
Pododermatitis is a medical condition that involves inflammation of the feet or paws of dogs . The term comes from the words " podo ", meaning foot , and " dermatitis ", meaning inflammation of the skin . Pododermatitis can affect one or more paws and can range in severity from mild redness and swelling to painful, ulcerative lesions.
This inflammation can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the dog, as the paws are essential for the movement and general well-being of the animal. Dogs suffering from paw dermatitis may show signs of pain, lameness, excessive licking or chewing of the paws, and reluctance to walk or play.
What causes pododermatitis?
Pododermatitis can be caused by multiple factors. Among the main causes we find:
- Infectious causes : bacteria, yeasts, fungi and parasites
- Allergic diseases : atopy, seasonal allergies, food hypersensitivity and allergic contact dermatitis
- Autoimmune diseases: Pemphigus foliaceus and systemic lupus erythematosus
- Hormonal or metabolic diseases : hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) and hepatocutaneous syndrome
- Tumors : squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and mast cell carcinoma
- Irritant contact dermatitis: Trauma, excessive exercise or running on hard surfaces, shearing burns, or foreign bodies such as splinters
To determine the cause or causes of pododermatitis, your veterinarian may ask questions such as:
- What is the environment in which the dog lives and walks?
- Do symptoms occur seasonally or year-round?
- Are there any other lesions on the body?
- How did previous treatments respond?
- What is the dog's diet?
- Has the dog traveled outside of its usual environment?
- Does the dog have any other health problems?
What are the symptoms of pododermatitis?
Although the symptoms are similar, some may suggest a specific cause:
- Infections : Red (inflamed) and swollen paws, nodules or fungal lesions (kerions), ulcers or pus from the lesions. Often there is hair loss and the dog may lick his paws incessantly.
- Allergies : Inflamed paws with constant itching, especially on the upper paws. Reddish-brown spots may appear on the fur due to salivary pigments or yeast overgrowth. In contact dermatitis, the lower paws are usually affected.
- Autoimmunity : Scabs (scabies) and ulcerations with occasional blisters, often on all four paws, especially the pads and nails. Excessive pigmentation and thickened, crusted pads may be present, especially in pemphigus foliaceus.
- Hormonal or metabolic : lesions caused by secondary skin infections with pustules, redness and inflammation.
- Tumors : Usually affect a single paw with lumps or ulcers. Multiple paws may be involved in squamous cell carcinoma of the nails.
How is dermatitis on dog paws diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, and diagnostic tests, including skin cytology, skin scrapings, and hair samples. Cytology is used to detect the presence or absence of inflammatory cells, bacteria, yeast, and parasites. Scrapings and hair samples evaluate for the presence of parasites such as demodex mites. Other tests may include bacterial and fungal cultures, biopsies, blood and urine tests, hypoallergenic diets, and x-rays.
How is canine pododermatitis treated?
Because pododermatitis can have many causes, a specific diagnosis must be determined to develop a treatment plan.
Once the cause is identified, treatment will be aimed at resolving that specific cause. If pododermatitis has an allergic or autoimmune cause, it is important to note that the condition cannot be cured. In these cases, the therapeutic goal is to minimize clinical signs and recurrences.
Treatments may include topical therapies such as shampoos, foot baths, or wipes for secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Oral antibiotics and antifungals may be necessary in more severe cases. Additionally, corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone), immunomodulatory drugs such as cyclosporine (Atopica®) and oclacitinib (Apoquel®), or immunotherapy injections of lokivetmab (Cytopoint®) may be required in cases of seasonal or food allergies.
What is the prognosis for pododermatitis?
The prognosis for pododermatitis in dogs depends heavily on the underlying cause. Most dogs respond well to targeted therapies and, with some simple lifestyle adjustments, can continue to enjoy relatively normal lives. For example, eliminating environmental allergens, improving diet, and providing proper skin and paw care can make a big difference in controlling symptoms and preventing recurrence.
However, it is important to note that each case is unique and that the management of pododermatitis may require a personalized approach. Some dogs may require more intensive treatment or constant monitoring to keep the condition under control.
If you suspect pododermatitis in your dog, it is essential to always contact a veterinarian. Avoid improvising do-it-yourself treatments, as proper diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure the well-being of your four-legged friend. Only a professional can correctly assess the situation and prescribe the most appropriate therapy for your dog's specific condition.