What's causing my dog's swollen foot: allergy, infection, or mass?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Romeo! Labs are very allergic breeds. It is likely that Romeo has allergies to his food, the environment or has atopy. I would recommend testing for demodex or putting him on Nexgard, Bravecto or Simparica to cover for the possibility of demodex mites. I would them recommend a skin cytology to see if the infection is bacterial and or yeast in nature. Then put him on ORAL antibiotic or anti-fungals for a minimum of 3 weeks, likely longer. He also, if licking his feet, should be put on something to decrease the itch like apoquel or cytopoint. Most dogs with allergies need to be on multiple medications: antihistamines long term, apoquel long term, Omega 3 fatty acids, and a novel protein diet. I recommend changing his food to a non chicken based diet. Try Venison, Beef, lamb, pork, all fish or duck. You need to give the diet 2-3 months and he can not be given any other types of food or treats. I hope this helps and I wish Romeo the very best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like this could be a benign or malignant growth. This is possibly what is causing her pain. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. They could start pain control medications if she appears to be painful. Good luck and have a good day!

Your picture came through. Romeo has a major mass that is ulcerated and looks to be infected. He needs to see a vet right away for proper wound management, pain medication and antibiotics. This is a massive mass that cannot be managed at home without the help of your local vet. Once the infection is controlled then it can be discussed whether this mass can be debulked or not. If it cannot then your vet may recommend amputation of the leg. I am sorry your pet has such a massive tumor and I hope everything works out ok for your pet Romeo. Best wishes and take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. This is quite severe and warrants therapy. The likely secondary infections need to to be addressed and the itchiness also need to be addressed to prevent this issue from getting worse. Medications like prednisone can be used for the itchiness and antibiotics for the infections. In the meantime, you can use an e-collar in the meantime to prevent further self-trauma. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That is certainly a possibility. I highly recommend that you consider taking them to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If they do think that this seems likely based on examination, therapy for an allergic reaction can be started usually with steroids and anti-histamine medications. Good luck and have a great day!

From the photos, it looks like Romeo has a swelling on one of his toes. Grass seeds and pieces of glass can puncture the skin and cause infection or can get stuck under the skin and cause an abscess. Romeo needs to be examined by the veterinarian in case there's an abscess that needs to be lanced. Also, you must prevent any licking by having him wear an elizabethan collar. Until it heals, no walks, running, jumping or walking on rough surfaces. I hope he heals quickly.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to allergies. The bumps are likely a secondary infection. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!