Pampered pets: Infection gives paws for thought

Q - My nine-year-old shih tzu has been treated for cysts between the toes of his paws for six months with antibiotics, foot baths, Epsom salts and an operation. 

A - These are not true cysts but deep bacterial infections called pedal pyoderma.

You have mentioned that long courses of antibiotics succeed only for a short time and that your vet has tried to remove the infected tissue surgically. 

The problem with these cases is the intensive and expensive treatment required just to get some improvement. 

Then there is the frequent relapse after apparently successful treatment. 

This occurs because there is an underlying disease, often one that diminishes the immune system, or because the infected area is itchy, causing the dog to lick constantly. 

The latter can be caused by allergies such as hay fever and food intolerances. 

Diseases affecting the immune system include demodicosis, caused by the Demodex mite, hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease. 

Treatment and investigation of underlying causes will inevitably be expensive. 

Sometimes getting help and advice from a specialist can prove to be economical in the long term. 

It is likely more antibiotics are required with some investigations to rule out the most common underlying causes. 

If it is not possible to diagnose, the infection might be kept at bay with regular antibacterial washes of the feet.

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David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Write to him at Express Yourself, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN. He is unable to enter into individual

correspondence.

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