Foot pad corns can be a painful and bothersome condition for your dog. It's important to know the signs and symptoms of foot pad corns in dogs, as well as the different treatment options available. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about foot pad corns in dogs, from causes, and common symptoms to successful treatments. Read on to learn more about this condition so you can help your pup feel better and get back to living their best life.
What are food pad corns in dogs and what causes them?
Foot pad corns are also known as digital keratoma and paw pad keratoma. Foot pad corns in dogs are painful lesions of hyperkeratosis that are well-demarcated and conically shaped. They arise on the palmar or plantar surfaces of paw pads, most often in areas where weight is applied. Additionally, these lesions may be found on non-weight-bearing surfaces such as metacarpal and metatarsal pads. This condition is seen both in dogs and cats, however, it is more prevalent in dogs.
Pet and racing greyhounds account for the majority of cases. Additionally, other sighthound breeds such as whippets; sighthound-cross breeds; and non-sighthound dogs including Labradors may be affected too. Research has revealed that the average age at diagnosis is 6.9 years and males are more commonly impacted than females.
Pet and racing greyhounds account for the majority of cases. Additionally, other sighthound breeds such as whippets; sighthound-cross breeds; and non-sighthound dogs including Labradors may be affected too. Research has revealed that the average age at diagnosis is 6.9 years and males are more commonly impacted than females.
Suspected causes of food pad corns in dogs
Scar formation, mechanical trauma, and papilloma virus infection have all been hypothesized as potential causes for foot pad corns in dogs. Foreign bodies are seldom found to be the culprits of this disorder.
Repetitive stress causing pressure and wear on foot pads is the likely cause of foot pad corns in dogs, with racing breeds (e.g. greyhounds, whippets) having a higher incidence. Evidence of this is the high occurrence of foot pad corns on the middle digits (3 and 4) of the forelimb, which bears the most weight during a run and gallop. Factors contributing to the development of foot pad corns in greyhounds include high ground reaction forces during a gallop, narrow paw conformation, and limited padding in the foot pads. It is likely that multiple factors lead to this condition in retired greyhounds.
What are the symptoms of food pad corns in dogs?
Clinical signs of food pad corns in dogs often present in the form of mild to severe lameness that generally begins gradually and is of chronic duration. When direct pressure is applied to the foot, affected pads may reveal characteristic lesions that may be painful.
Additionally, symptoms can include gradual and progressive lameness, ranging from mild to severe, especially when walking on hard surfaces.
How are food pad corns diagnosed?
If foot pad corns are suspected, your veterinarian may perform a complete physical examination and take radiographs to rule out other causes of lameness.
Diagnosis of foot pad corns in dogs is based on the appearance of circular, painful areas of thickened skin on the middle digits (3 and 4) of the forelimbs in susceptible breeds.
In non-greyhound breeds, corns are more likely to be found on non-weight-bearing digits. To obtain a definitive diagnosis, however, biopsy and histopathology are required.
What are the treatment options for foot pad corns in dogs?
While a variety of treatments have been suggested, no definitive protocol has been established. Treatment is recommended if pain or lameness is present.
Your veterinarian will likely recommend surgical removal of the foot pad corn. This procedure can often be performed with heavy sedation. After removal, a bandage will be placed for a couple of days, and suture removal in 2-3 weeks.
In greyhounds and whippets, foot pad corn development occurs due to weight load and pressure forces on their digits, therefore without addressing these, corns are likely to recur after surgical removal. In these dogs, surgical procedures such as tendonectomy and ostectomy have been described and used with success.
Furthermore, although supportive therapy exists for people with corns, these treatments have not been proven to be effective for foot pad corns in dogs. These range from home remedies such as silver nitrate applications, foot baths, and foot pads to prevent further trauma to the foot, to antiseptics, anti-inflammatory creams, and foot soaks. Providing only supportive care to dogs without removing the corn is generally unsuccessful.
What is the prognosis for dogs with foot pad corns?
Surgical excision is the most effective method for treating foot pad corns in dogs, however, recurrence is still common. Short-term success rates are high but long-term resolution can be lower (<50%) due to a number of contributing factors including underlying mechanical problems, co-morbidities, and lack of defined etiology.
In conclusion, foot pad corns are a common foot condition in dogs, especially racing breeds such as greyhounds and whippets. Symptoms may include lameness of the affected paw and foot pad lesions which can be confirmed by your veterinarian through a detailed physical exam. The most effective treatment is the surgical removal of the foot pad corn, although recurrence is still possible. With proper diagnosis and management, the prognosis for recovery from foot pad corns in dogs is generally good. If you have any questions about foot pad corns, please contact your veterinarian.