What muscles are between my dog's paw toes? Can they get inflamed?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kaja! Limping is a sign of pain. Even if you can not locate the exact spot she likely hurts some where. Causes of a front leg lameness are: strain or sprain of the muscle, lyme disease, elbow dysplasia. OCD (cartilage abnormality in the shoulder most commonly), panosteitis, hypertrophic osterodystrophy, neck pain, a foreign body penetration in the pain, torn nail, or even a skin infection of the foot. I recommend since Kaja hasn't improved in 2 days that you see the Vet. Even if it is just a pulled muscle Kaja can be started on pain medication to help her feel better. I recommend strict rest, that means no running, jumping, stairs, playing with other dogs and leash walks only. I hope this helps and I wish Kaja a speedy recovery!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Olive is most likely having some inflammation between her toes from what you are saying. At her age, the most likely causes would be a penetrating foreign body or an insect/spider bite. If it is a foreign body penetration, it would most likely be something such as a sand bur, fox tail, or a piece of something sharp which can occasionally be stuck in the skin. Without being able to see it in-person, it is difficult to say for sure if this is the case or not, so I would recommend having Olive examined by a veterinarian to determine the correct course of action. I recommend not allowing her to lick at the spot as it will cause the inflammation to worsen and not do anything to help. She will likely need an e-collar to prevent her from licking the spot, something the vet can help you with when you go. Hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. Common tumors in this region include melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas, among others. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

I recommend booking an appointment with a veterinarian to have Paisley's toe evaluated, as you are correct that it is likely causing her discomfort, but she may not be showing it. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous (and even deadly) for dogs, so I do not recommend giving any to your pup without consulting with your vet. The bump you are seeing could be a mass, or it could be a skin lesion caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, or could be a combination of the above. I recommend making an appointment to have Paisley seen by your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the bump you’ve noticed and to make sure it is treated appropriately. The vet will likely want to look at a sample from the area under the microscope to determine what is causing the bump and to provide treatment. In the meantime, I recommend putting an e-collar/cone on her to help reduce the risk of infection from her licking at the area.

That is likely to be due to an infective pododermatitis that possibly could have an allergic base. It is basically a localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is no tick in the picture that I can see, or crater from a tick bite. The lump could be a few different things. Most likely is an abscess (pus filled pocket) from a puncture wound and possible "foreign body", something like a grass seed stuck in the foot. The other possible causes are a bug bit of some sort that has caused a local reaction, such as a bee sting or ant bite, or it could be that Dante broke the toe and it is swollen. If he is not putting weight on it, then it means it is quite painful. I would recommend having him into the vet, as it is most likely an abscess, and those can cause bone infections if not treated. Your vet might be able to just treat it by lancing it and providing pain relief and antibiotics, but x-rays or surgery might be required as well. Best of luck with Dante.

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor B. I recommend getting the foot looked at. Yes, the circulation was compromised but the nerves could also have been damaged. My hope is that with time the nerves and vessels will return to normal. If B is holding up the foot it is likely painful. The vet can prescribe pain medications to help him feel better. Good luck!