Interdigital cysts, also known as interdigital furuncles or pododermatitis, are a common skin condition that can affect dogs, particularly those with webbed paws, who are overweight, who have poor conformation causing rubbing between the skin or those who spend a lot of time in damp or muddy environments.
Interdigital cysts typically appear as small, fluid-filled bumps between the toes or on the paw pads, and can cause discomfort, limping, and excessive licking or chewing of the affected area. They may be red, inflamed, and may even have a foul odor. It can become painful for the dog to walk.
The exact cause of interdigital cysts is not always clear, but they are believed to be caused by a combination of factors such as bacterial or fungal infections, foreign bodies (like grass seeds or thorns), allergies, and other skin conditions. Breeds like Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers, with poor conformation causing skin fold dermatitis, as well as overweight dogs, are more prone to interdigital cysts.
Treatment for interdigital cysts usually involves a combination of medical management and home care. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the cysts or the affected tissue. We recommend using a skin mask for dry and sore skin for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties followed by a skin balm. try to keep the paw as clean and dry as possible
To prevent interdigital cysts, it's important to keep your dog's paws clean and dry, and to inspect their paws regularly for signs of injury or infection. If your dog has pockets between the pads like seen regularly on cocker spaniels, it's good to hose out the bottom of the paw pad after a muddy walk. Regular grooming, trimming of the hair between the toes, and proper nutrition can also help prevent the development of interdigital cysts. and do speak to your vet and local dog groomer for advice
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