My dog's paw looks bad, can't walk. Is it serious? What should I do?

This sounds like an infected interdigital cyst. These are common in dog’s paws. They usually need oral antibiotics to heal these infections, so I would take her in to your veterinarian for an exam and treatment. In the meantime you can soak the paw in an antibacterial solution, and use a cone to prevent her from licking the paw. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Toffee.

it is possible she may have a bacterial or fungal infection between her toes. This can be itchy and painful. Ideally, Bini should be examined by your veterinarian to confirm and treat any infection. She may need antibiotics and/or topical treatment. For now, place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent further licking. An Epsom salt foot soak may provide temporary relief until she sees the doctor.

Poor Coco! Diabetic pets can be prone to skin ulcers and other wounds, just like diabetic people. It can also be hard for these lesions to heal without help, since diabetes suppresses the immune system and decreases circulation to the paws and toes. I would recommend taking her to the vet in the morning to have this spot checked, since she may need oral antibiotics to treat it because of her diabetes. In the meantime, you can try soaking the affected paw in a bath of warm water and Epsom salts to help prevent the skin infection from getting worse.

That is likely to be due to an infective pododermatitis that possibly could have an allergic base. It is basically a localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Usually a veterinarian would perform a cytology to distinguish between a bacterial and fungal skin infection - they would take a sample on a microscope slide and examine for organisms. It's also possible that Bini has a resistant bacterial infection, or she might have another underlying disease process like an autoimmune disorder contributing to her symptoms. In your picture her foot does not appear classic for a fungal infection. You may want to follow up with your vet to discuss further testing and treatment.

I'm sorry to hear that Maya seems to have an infection. Infections can occur between the toes and between the paw pads, often as a result of underlying allergies. This can lead to redness, discharge, and itchiness of the affected area. Foot soaks with antiseptic solutions, such as diluted chlorhexidine or diluted betadine may be helpful. However, some paw pad infections also require oral antibiotics and anti-itch medication, requiring a trip to the vet. The main concern at this point is that Maya's left eye is now looking abnormal. Eyes are fairly delicate structures, so any changes like redness, discharge, or squinting, should be addressed urgently. It is possible that her eye changes could be related to irritation from underlying allergies, but corneal ulcers or trauma to the eye (often self-trauma from scratching) are also possible. I recommend putting an e-collar (cone) on Maya to prevent any scratching or rubbing of the eye, and then taking her to the vet urgently for evaluation of both her eye and paw problems. I hope this helps and that she's feeling better soon!

Yes it is possible that a dog can develop bacterial pododermatitis on all four paws, and because it's an inflammation of the skin, it can be painful and uncomfortable for the dog leading to difficulty walking, especially if it's on all four paws. I would rest Hatfield, having him walk as little as possible. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, bringing him back in when he's done. If he isn't showing any signs of improvement in the next couple of days, then I would have him seen by a vet again.