Interdigital Cysts/Interdigital Pyoderma
Interdigital Cysts are actually a cellulitic form of deep tissue
pyoderma (skin infection). Cellulitus is a condition in which
inflammatory fluids are forced into the tissues, rather than being
discharged on the surface. Interdigital cysts are characterized
as a firm, nodular thickening of the interdigital web. These cysts
generally exhibit active stages of deep draining tracts of large
pustules in one or more interdigital spaces.
Interdigital pyoderma tends to be chronic in nature, therefore
a thorough search for the underlying cause is essential. This
search can consist of skin scrapings, bacterial cultures and sensitivity
tests. Most often the causative factors are found to be infection
with staphylococci, ingrown hairs or blockage of a sebaceous gland.
Though in some cases a genetic predisposition is suspected, which
will necessitate intermittent lifelong antibiotics to control
the symptoms. In some cases, the cyst is removed under general
anesthesia followed up by appropriate antibiotics.
In many cases, interdigital cysts can be eleviated, if only temporarily,
by home treatment. Home treatment should not be attempted by novices,
it is however a step available to those experienced in dogs and
the possible repercussions of interdigital cysts. The following
is a brief outline of one fairly successful home treatment course.
a) first thoroughly clean the area.
b) soak the paw in warm water with Epsom Salts. Some people find
it easiest to soak all 4 feet at the same time by standing the
dog in a bath tub.
c) Do not allow the dog to drink the water.
d) Soak for approximately 10 minutes.
e) Dry area thoroughly.
f) apply Panalog ointment to the area.
g) repeat daily until swelling has been gone for 3 days.
The information on this page was obtained from the site www.barkbytes.com