Bacterial infection can be secondary to another primary cause.
Breed Occurrence
Some breeds are predisposed to develop pododermatitis including the Bassett
Hound, Boxer, English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Dachshund, Dalmatian, German
Shepherd Dogs, German Short-haired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Great Dane,
Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, Pekingese, and Weimaraner
Treatment
Treatment of the underlying cause (if one can be identified) is essential .
Antibiotic therapy is needed if bacterial infection (primary or secondary) is
present.
Regular bathing in salty water, or in an antiseptic solution (such as
chlorhexidine) for 15 minutes 2-3 times daily is often recommended. Excess hair
should be carefully clipped from between the toes and pads to prevent foreign
material being collected and causing irritation.
Changing surfaces that
the animal is exercised on may help identify a contact problem. For example,
dogs usually exercised on pavements can be exercised exclusively for a period on
grass, or vice versa. Dogs kept indoors on nylon carpets can be kept in rooms
with wool carpets.
For localised lesions surgical exploration may be needed to
find foreign penetrating material (eg grass seeds) and sometimes surgical
removal (excision) of isolated lesions is performed.
During periods when the
feet are tender and sore, special boots "Bandiboots" are available to
protect the feet .