Sores Between Dog Toes

by Natalie
(Laveen, AZ)

2 of our 3 American Bulldogs have horrible, oozing sores between their toes. We have tried everything! Grain Free dog food with protein sources that they have never experienced before...Oral Antibiotics...epson salt soaks...we have been through 3 different Vets. Nothing helps, and the poor guys are miserable! Any suggestions of what to do next are welcome.

Some extra information that may or may not help:

1) The 2 dogs affected are the parents of the dog that doesn't have the sores. Sire is 7 years old. Dam is 3 or 4 years old & "puppy" is 2 1/2 yrs old.

2) We live in the Phoenix, AZ area and our dogs do spend time outside in the summer. They do not have to stay out all day though (one who has the sores prefers to stay inside and avoid the heat, one does not) and their feet are not noticeably better or worse in the summer than in the winter.

3) The dog who does not have the sores does have chronic Valley Fever and is often on medication for it.

Thank you in advance!!

Editor Comment Sores Between Dog Toes

Skin conditions, especially those that affect the paws and toes are usually related to some type of contagious cause, such as a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.

Problems that start at the paws, ears, or inguinal region (groin) not only indicates an infectious or contagious cause, but also represents that the patient has a depressed immune system.

According to the information you provided and photographs provided, we can only propose a logical possibility. It is not possible to confirm the condition without detailed examination and laboratory tests if required.

It appears that both dogs are primarily suffering from some type of fungal infection. Because you reside in an endemic area for fungal infections, problems with the feet are more common, e.g. the Arizona area is endemic to “Canine Valley Fever” and various integumentary (skin) canine fungal infections.

Secondly, the a dog affected by valley fever is on medication, which is surely an anti fungal drug, usually of the imidazole group (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Miconazole), thus it is possibly protecting that dog against this condition.

Additionally, it should be noted that in endemic areas' exposure to fungus, predisposing factors and certain response is not important. It is always required that in such areas, dogs at risk should be constantly monitored and preventive measures should be taken.

Now, though we cannot confirm the exact cause without an in person examination, we have a strong opinion that it is a fungal infection, along with a possible secondary bacterial infection.

It is recommended that you use a quality anti-fungal shampoo such as Malaseb Therapeutic Shampoo for bathing your dogs, especially the two with this problem. Use the shampoo until the condition resolves. Fair progress or improvement should appear within 2 weeks of use. Carefully follow the manufacturers instructions and make sure that you apply the shampoo on the sore dog toes.

Additionally, we recommend that you should use some natural remedies to protect the paws, for cleaning the sores and for skin and immune health. For paw cleansing we suggest Clenzor, for paw health, we suggest Paw Paw, and to improve skin condition and the immune system, Skin and Coat Tonic. Regular use of these remedies will not only protect your dogs feet, but also will ensure improved health and immune status, which is required for dogs in the area you reside.

At home, along with the aforementioned remedies and shampoo, home remedies such as soaking the paws in a mixture of 1 part cider vinegar to 1 part water can help to reduce the sores and inflammation. Also this tip can reduce the chance of any bacterial growth in between the toes.

This condition, which seems to be a fungal infection should resolve in 2 – 4 weeks with the help of these suggestions, but in case, the condition does not resolve, or symptoms appear to be worsening with time, you should take your dogs for a detailed laboratory diagnosis, which includes culturing, isolation and detailed blood work for any other underlying cause, followed by the specific treatment recommended by your veterinarian.