{"id":512,"date":"2020-12-04T16:10:59","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T21:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.volvethosp.com\/blog\/?p=512"},"modified":"2020-12-04T16:11:00","modified_gmt":"2020-12-04T21:11:00","slug":"paw-problems-in-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.volvethosp.com\/blog\/paw-problems-in-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"Paw Problems in Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As your family veterinarian, our staff at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital<\/a> cares for your pet from head to toe\u2026 literally. We diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases and issues, but issues with the feet are not an uncommon reason that people bring their beloved animals to see us.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, many paw problems in pets are very treatable and with our help we can get your furry friend putting their best paw forward in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Types of Paw Problems in Pets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you might know that something is going on with your pet\u2019s paws, it is not always possible to diagnose the problem just by looking at it. Many times in addition to our examination, diagnostics such as bloodwork<\/a> and cytology is needed to determine what is plaguing your pet\u2019s paws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain paw problems are more common than others, and they can range from benign to very serious. Some of the more common types of paw problems in pets that we see include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allergic skin disease \u2013 <\/strong>Perhaps one of the more common reasons we see paw problems, when allergic skin disease flares, the paws are often affected. Environmental and food allergies<\/a> can cause inflammation and itching of the paws, which often leads to licking, chewing, and sometimes infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arthritis \u2013 <\/strong>The paws contain tiny bones similar to those in our hands, and they are not exempt from developing arthritis. Senior pets and those with a history of injury or abnormal body structure may suffer from arthritis, which can be a painful condition<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autoimmune issues \u2013 <\/strong>In some disease processes, a misguided immune system attacks the patient\u2019s own body causing detrimental damage. Autoimmune skin diseases like lupoid onychodystrophy cause problems with the nails themselves while diseases like pemphigus foliaceus may affect the paw pads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fractures \u2013 <\/strong>Bones in the paws may suffer from fracture or dislocation just like any other bone, especially after trauma of some kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interdigital cysts \u2013 <\/strong>Some pets suffer from cystic bumps that develop between their toes. While benign, these can be quite uncomfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paw pad problems \u2013 <\/strong>Dogs and cats don\u2019t wear shoes (at least not regularly), so their paw pads often take the brunt of the world. Things like excess moisture, hot surfaces like asphalt<\/a>, and rough surfaces like ice can lead to irritation, blistering, and even lacerations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin infection \u2013 <\/strong>The skin of the paws itself is no different than any other skin  and is subject to overgrowth and infection with things like bacteria, yeast, and skin mites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Systemic conditions affecting the pads \u2013 <\/strong>Other conditions in the body such as liver disease or thyroid disease can cause changes to the paw pads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Torn toenails and other trauma \u2013 <\/strong>Your pets nails can overgrow without proper grooming and can snag or break. These things can be quite painful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tumors \u2013 <\/strong>The paws are not exempt from growths. Everything from warts to cysts to cancers like squamous cell carcinoma can appear on the paws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protecting Those Feet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So what\u2019s a pet owner to do? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to your pet\u2019s paw care, you are their biggest advocate. While you can\u2019t prevent all paw problems in pets, you can ward off some of them and be sure any others are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n