What is dog interdigital inflammation?

Interdigital pyoderma is also called interdigital pyoderma, also known as pododermatitis. It is dermatitis that occurs between the toes, mostly between the toes or any part of the sole of the foot. A common symptom of interdigital inflammation is that a dog develops a small thing between the toes or on the foot. It will be as big as a pimple at first, and will gradually become larger. There may be pus, blood, or Very swollen. Some dogs will be afraid to step on the ground due to swelling and pain, so they will walk with a limp.

Sometimes the color of the fur on the soles of a dog's feet will turn red or dark. If this seemingly small problem is not observed in time, it will slowly lead to dactylitis in dogs. This is just what the symptoms are called in the early stages. No matter how severe the symptoms are, fingertip cysts are likely to occur. Cysts generally appear in the gaps between dogs' toes. As the condition gradually worsens, the cysts will grow larger, causing the toes to open. Finally, the cysts will burst, leaking pus, and the entire foot will ulcerate. In severe cases, it may cause sepsis. .

What causes interdigital inflammation

Under normal circumstances, healthy skin has a good protective effect and is not prone to infection. However, if the soles of your feet are often in a moist environment, the resistance of the epidermis will be reduced. Sometimes dogs will jump onto the grass and can easily be punctured by sharp branches, stones and straw stalks, which can lead to infection. Excessively long nails can also cause fungal infections, which can directly damage the skin between the toes, leading to inflammation or even suppuration of the toes. It can occur in the space between the toes and soles of the feet and can also cause inflammation of the toes. Staphylococci are the most common infectious bacteria. The initial stage of bacterial invasion is slightly red and may further develop into cysts or granulomas.

There are many causes of interdigital inflammation. Possible causes include: bacteria, bacterial infection, parasites (tick, etc.), hookworm infection, atopic dermatitis, trauma, hair folliculitis, hormonal abnormalities, Immune diseases, allergies to detergents or dog food, etc.

Another reason that is easily overlooked is keeping dogs in cages for a long time, especially if there is no mat at the bottom of the cage. Dogs' toes often get stuck on the bars, causing skin infection between the toes.

How to prevent and treat interdigital inflammation

The most common way to prevent interdigital inflammation is to keep the spaces between your dog’s toes dry.

1. If you must wash your feet at home, you must carefully dry the water between your toes with an absorbent towel after washing your feet. After that, use a hair dryer to thoroughly dry the skin and hair between the toes. Do not rest the dog in the kennel when it is semi-wet, so that the dog's paws are always in a moist and hot state, which is the favorite environment for bacteria.

2. Trim your dog’s sole hair and nails frequently;

3. Check your dog’s paws every week. If you find flushed attachments at the base of the nails, remove them.Remove it in time and then disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide;

4. Avoid excessive humidity indoors;

5. Try to use fences instead of dog cages;

6. Wear dog protective shoes when going out in winter and summer.

Don’t panic if you get interdigital inflammation. The treatment of this disease is not difficult. Generally, injections and oral medicines are very effective and you will recover quickly. In the early stage, regular cleaning and correct medication are required. In the later stage, appropriate amounts of vitamins A and E can be given to help the pet's feet recover from inflammatory damage and make the skin more natural and elastic.