Foot Disease
In Cats & Dogs
Foot disease is a common condition for all pets, but especially in dogs. Cats can get foot pad disease and nail problems but not as commonly as their canine friends. Often foot disease and nail issues have very different causes and are related to other underlying conditions.
Accurate diagnosis of the primary problem, overall health of your pet and the current condition of their foot or feet must be taken into account to reach a satisfactory outcome.
What to Expect at
YOUR CONSULTATION
What to Expect at
Your Consultation
1
HISTORY REVIEW
Detailed history and review of past treatments
2
EXAMINATION
Full dermatological and ear examination
3
TESTING
Diagnostic testing including video-otoscopy
4
TREATMENT PLAN
Provided with a tailored treatment plan based on your individual pet’s needs
WHAT WE
TREAT
WHAT WE
TREAT
It may be possible to start treatment after an initial consultation and cytology (examining cells under a microscope). However, we may need skin scraping, blood tests, x-rays, scans, biopsies and bacterial and fungal culture to provide a full treatment plan. We’ll discuss what tests we need to do during your consultation.
Treatment often involves antibiotics or anti-fungal medication, anti-inflammatory medication such as steroids or ciclosporin and topical therapy with rinses, shampoos and creams.
Treatment may be in two phases.
Induction therapy to get your pet’s feet back to as normal a condition as possible.
Maintenance therapy to keep feet healthy, often lifelong.
Lifestyle changes may be required as well. For some dogs the condition of their feet may be something we can manage but not cure.
If the condition is related to a more serious disease affecting the skin or internal bodily organs, then a tailored plan will be discussed including long term prognosis.
WHAT WE
TREAT
WHAT WE
We treat a wide range of skin conditions. Below is a list of different conditions, which gives an idea of the range of conditions we see.
Allergic Skin Diseases
Atopic dermatitis
(environmental allergies)
Flea allergy dermatitis
Food allergies/intolerances
Infections (Chronic/Recurrent)
Bacterial skin infections (pyoderma)
Yeast infections
Ringworm (especially in cats)
Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated Conditions
Pemphigus complex
Lupus diseases
Ulcerative diseases
Erythema multiforme
Vasculitis
Nodules and lumps with or without draining sinus tracts
Scaling disorders
Sebaceous adenitis
Epitheliotropic lymphoma
Crusting disorders
Zinc-responsive dermatosis
Metabolic epidermal necrosis
Chronic Skin Issues
Itchy or inflamed paws (pododermatitis)
Hair loss (alopecia) - Alopecia X, Colour dilution alopecia
Anal furunculosis
Pigmentary skin disorders
Hypopigmentation - Vitiligo, Uveodermatological syndrome
Hyperpigmentation - Post-inflammatory, Hypothyroidism
TREAT
WHAT WE
TREAT
WHAT WE
TREAT
We treat a wide range of skin conditions. Below is a list of different conditions, which gives an idea of the range of conditions we see.
Allergic Skin Diseases
-
Atopic dermatitis
-
(environmental allergies)
-
Flea allergy dermatitis
-
Food allergies/intolerances
Infections (Chronic/Recurrent)
-
Bacterial skin infections (pyoderma)
-
Yeast infections
-
Ringworm (especially in cats)
Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated Conditions
-
Pemphigus complex
-
Lupus diseases
Ulcerative diseases
-
Erythema multiforme
-
Vasculitis
Nodules and lumps with or without draining sinus tracts
Scaling disorders
-
Sebaceous adenitis
-
Epitheliotropic lymphoma
Crusting disorders
-
Zinc-responsive dermatosis
-
Metabolic epidermal necrosis
Chronic Skin Issues
-
Itchy or inflamed paws (pododermatitis)
-
Hair loss (alopecia) - Alopecia X, Colour dilution alopecia
-
Anal furunculosis
Pigmentary skin disorders
-
Hypopigmentation - Vitiligo, Uveodermatological syndrome
-
Hyperpigmentation - Post-inflammatory, Hypothyroidism
WHO DO WE Care For
At our veterinary clinic we care for all dogs and cats with problems with their feet including foot pad disease. If your pet is having issues with their feet we can take a look and help you find a treatment plan that works for you and your pet.
FREQUENTLY
AskeD Questions
rELATED
Services
EAR DISEASE
ALLERGY TESTING
OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS
ALLERGY TESTING
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
"Simon has been our vet for over 10 years, so when we’ve encountered skin issues with our dogs we’ve been lucky to benefit from his in-depth, and enthusiastic expertise! A poorly pet is always a worry, but it’s easy to trust Simon as he bothers to take time to talk us through the problem, and importantly, the treatment options. Being part of that decision is really important to us.”
Genevieve Klasinski
Owner of Woody the Golden Retriever
"Henry has had severe allergies for many years now, and finding someone who truly understands and can manage his problems has made all the difference. Simon is kind, patient, and incredibly thorough. He takes time to explain everything and has worked with us to find a treatment plan that has finally brought Henry some relief. With Simon’s knowledge it gives us confidence and peace of mind that Henry is getting the best treatment”
Anna Green
Owner of Henry the Cockerpoo
"We feel really lucky to have found Simon. He successfully diagnosed our little dog (Candy) with multiple allergies - lots of other vets we had seen didn’t have the expertise to do this. This meant he was able to tailor her treatment to her allergies and all her symptoms have been well controlled for years now. Simon is always up to date with advances in veterinary science and involves us in decisions about Candy’s treatment. He has helped us manage her occasional flare-ups at home and to know when she needs professional help. He is just amazing and I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
Sheila Holland
Owner of Candy the Cavachon