Canine Paw Abscesses

Abscesses occur when the skin on the surface heals more quickly than the muscle and tissue below, and pus and fluid get trapped inside the paw tissue. Abscesses are the result of the natural healing process but can lead to complications, especially when they're located on delicate dog paws. Paw abscesses are more common in cats but they can also occur in dogs.

  1. Causes

    • Abscesses are frequently the result of puncture wounds. If a dog steps on something sharp, the wound penetrates deeper than just the skin. Nails, glass shards and thorny brush are all possible culprits. Interdigital cysts are also sometimes to blame for canine paw abscesses. Cysts occur between the toes and form into abscesses when the healing process goes wrong.

    Symptoms

    • When a dog has a paw abscess, the paw is almost always swollen. A canine paw abscess can cause a paw to swell to twice its normal size overnight. Some dogs limp and may worry at the area by licking or biting. The paw may be hot to the touch or a more wide-spread fever can occur. The trapped pus forms a nodule or bump on the paw. When the nodule or bump breaks open, an open wound is left behind.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis is made by a physical examination. A veterinarian looks at the dog and the wound itself. The veterinarian will usually ask questions about the dog's history and habits as well as questions about the dog's environment. A sample of the abscess can determine the extent of the damage and whether or not the abscess is infected. A needle is inserted into the wound and the contents are aspirated onto a glass slide. The glass slide is examined under a microscope.

    Treatment

    • The preferred treatment for paw abscesses in dogs is opening and draining the wound. The wound is opened with a sterile needle or scalpel and pus is drained using a needle and syringe. Abscesses are sometimes irrigated using an antiseptic solution. If infection is present, antibiotics are given. Oral antibiotics are used to treat systemic infection, but if the infection is severe, the veterinarian might give an antibiotic injection. Topical antibiotics are not usually effective in treating canine paw abscesses since the infection goes deeper than the surface.

    Prevention

    • Preventative measures include keeping your dog away from sharp objects it could step on and supervising your dog while it is outdoors. Dog-proof your home and yard and keep sharp objects off of your floors. Keep all paw injuries clean and free from dirt and debris to lessen the chance of an abscess forming.

    Considerations

    • Follow all directions given by your veterinarian. Finish your dog's course of antibiotics. If antibiotics are discontinued early, there is a chance the infection could reoccur or become resistant to future treatment. While canine paw abscesses are not immediately life-threatening, the damage from an untreated wound can lead to lameness and an untreated infection can lead to death. Seek veterinary medical treatment as soon as it is convenient.