My bulldog's swollen paw popped. What came out and what now?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Based on the pictures that you sent, what you are seeing appears to be what we call pododermatitis. Oftentimes we will see these swollen areas in between the toes on Bulldogs especially. Many times a topical ointment, anti-inflammatory and oral antibiotics are needed to treat this. I would suggest having a veterinarian examine this to see if it needs any antibiotics or not. If you are unable to get to your vet right away, I would suggest using zymox topical ointment and malacetic conditioning spray, both of which can be found online. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available by phone or text based consultation if needed.

Given Rambo's age, it is less likely that he has a growth or mass of serious concern. However, without a fine needle aspirate or a biopsy of the lesion it is impossible to know. Given its appearance in the pictures, it looks like it was likely either some type of tumor or cyst that underwent too much pressure from fluid build up, and subsequently ruptured. In terms of treatment, you are doing most everything you can at home already. Some recommendations though: I would not use peroxide as this can actually delay the healing process I would not keep the area covered too closely or tightly as this can encourage reinfection I would instead place a cone or collar on Rambo to prevent licking or self-mutiation, as this still allows the area to be open to the air. In terms of what to do next or how to find out what you are seeing, you can do two different things. The first is simply wait and see what happens when the area heals. If it never grows back, great new! The second option would be to take him to the vet and try to obtain a sample for analysis. You can also wait to do this if you want when and if the lesion grows back.

It looks like there may be an abscess forming by the appearance of it turning dark in the 3rd picture. If there was a puncture, bacteria could have been trapped under the skin, and often the body will try to wall it off. Then the bacteria and white blood cells multiply and have nowhere to go, forming an abscess. I would recommend taking Broly to the vet for evaluation. If they diagnose an abscess, they will probably want to lance and drain it, then start medications. Until he can see the vet, it would be best to have him wear an e-collar/cone to prevent licking.

At. This point, I would surgically explore that lesion. There may be a foreign body in there, there may be a small mass or tumor inside, but at least it should be surgically debrided. Debriding it will remove all of the dead necrotic tissue. It should be kept clean by doing daily bandage changes and your pet likely needs a different antibiotic. If this was a routine infection that was responsive to Cephalexin, it would be better by now.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It seems like you have been doing a good job so far. However, just like you pointed out, there may be a foreign body stuck in there or something else causing an infection. I recommend that you have Tank evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Antibiotics can be started and they can also check to see if there is something stuck there that they can remove to provide comfort and also prevent the infection from reoccurring. Good luck and have a great day!

That could be a ruptured abscess or interdigital cyst. Either is common in bulldogs and may have an allergic component. place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further licking. Ideally, Dexter should be examined by your veterinarian when you can for confirmation and treatment. He may need antibiotics and the paw is likely painful. Medication can be dispensed for relief if indicated.

I am very sorry to hear about Rocky. I would recommend he be examined by a veterinarian for this issue. I would be concerned he could have something more than a simple infection based on these photos, that require more treatment than a course of antibiotics. We could have a fungal infection, an eosinophilic granuloma condition, or unfortunately we would also be concerned about tumors of the skin. The vet may recommend additional testing such as cytology, fungal culture, needle aspirate or biopsy based on their examination which will help guide their treatment.