Many of us have pets. In about a quarter of cases, they are dogs. Moreover, these statistics take into account hamsters, parrots, fish, and all kinds of exotic things like huge spiders, crocodiles, snakes and monitor lizards. So the problem of detecting bumps on a dog’s paw is familiar and close to a huge number of people. And invariably causes them at least anxiety, and even panic. No wonder: we all believe in the best, but are preparing for the worst. Moreover, the photo of a cone on the paw of a dog sometimes causes real horror with its ugliness. Obviously, it’s worth figuring out how substantiated it is.
Clarify the terminology
What is a bump on a dog’s body, including a paw? This seal protrudes the skin. In size, it can vary, either reaching a couple of millimeters in diameter, then expanding to a few centimeters. Sometimes a bump “walks” under the skin, shifting from pressure with a finger. Staining in the neoplasm is also different, masquerading as the color of the coat or taking on a pink or frightening red tint.
At one glance, even the most experienced veterinarian will not be able to understand what caused the appearance of the swelling - there are a lot of reasons for its occurrence. Consider the most common.
Almost innocent
A lump on a dog’s paw can form as a result of a primitive insect bite. Most often - wasps, bees, hornets or ticks. Fortunately, allergic reactions to this effect are usually limited solely to the formation of swelling. It may be accompanied by temperature, but in most cases, contact with the aggressor is experienced independently and without the need for medical intervention.
This also includes minor injuries sustained during a walk or as a result of disagreement on certain issues with another representative of the canine tribe. The swelling may not be supplemented by wounds and scratches - it's just a hematoma that will resolve over time.
Bit harder
Sometimes a bump on a dog’s paw is a common papilloma or wart. Smooth-haired breeds are especially prone to them, and such formations tend to multiply with age. Scientists have not found out the causes of increased wartiness, although they tend to blame it for the introduction of viruses into the body in combination with lowered immunity of this very organism. While the papilloma does not increase in size and does not cause pain on palpation, you should not worry about its appearance. If soreness and expansion in volumes are observed, this is an occasion to consult a veterinarian.
And if the dog has a bump on the paw between the fingers?
A very common problem called pododermatitis. The owners notice that the pet has problems with diligent, frequent, almost licking pillows on the go. Upon closer examination, it turns out that the membrane between the fingers has turned red, constantly remains moist and tuberous. If nothing is done, the skin begins to ulcerate and fester. The farther, the worse: pododermatitis can affect all limbs, and the dog will barely walk, limping at once on four legs.
What is most sad, this disease is not independent. It can indicate the presence of fungal diseases, a whole bunch of dermatitis of different origin and even the development of the oncological process.
Especially prone to dermatitis are Chow Chow, bulldogs, Pekingese, shepherd dogs, Labradors, shar pei, dachshunds. And to identify the cause of the problems, a visit to the veterinary clinic is indispensable.
The scariest diagnosis
When it comes to treating a dog's bump on the paw, its owners are most afraid to hear that it is a neoplasm. And they have every reason for such fears: in recent years, tumors (benign and not quite) overtake an increasing number of pets. If the bump is pink or red, pronounced, moves with pressure and has a tendency to grow, most likely you are dealing with a sad diagnosis. But! According to veterinarians, in most cases the tumors are benign. If you do not postpone the visit to the doctor, the dog faces only a simple operation, after which you can forget about the problems with the bumps for a long time or even forever.
How to treat cones in dogs on the paws?
Only a specialist can clearly answer this question, and after examination, and possibly a number of analyzes. The initial actions of the host are observation after the swelling is detected. Of course, if it does not grow, does not fester, does not change in color, does not raise the temperature, does not cause pain, refusal to eat and difficulties with natural functions. When touching a suspicious place causes pain in a pet, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is required, and perhaps his call to the house. In the absence of force majeure, additional care must be taken to make permanent licking of the paw impossible. Since it can provoke the development of pododermatitis and numerous complications.
Detected wounds, even minor ones, are disinfected with iodine and brilliant green, the temperature is measured twice a day. If the swelling does not disappear in a couple of days, you will still have to turn to the clinic for a consultation. Avoid, so to speak. And here you should strictly follow the doctor’s prescriptions, without giving up any of the prescribed examinations. Because it depends on them how successful the treatment will be and how long the sick, but still hot and desperately beloved pet will remain to please the family.