What can help Inter-digital cysts?

[iadorethestaff]

Hi my 2 year old Staffy has a severe case of interdigital cysts on his two front paws. he has been on a few different antibiotics for about 3 months and i was bathing his feet in an antibacterial wash, but nothing seems to work. he is now on a quarterzone tablet and a special diet, which started yesterday, If any one could give any suggestions on other possible remedies or treatments that are proven successful i would love to hear them.

[britishbandit]

So sorry to hear about your poor doggie
I don't know much on the subject at all, but I found a web page that had some info on it.

Interdigital Cysts
by Leanne Gossett
Interdigital Cysts are actually a cellulitic form of deep tissue pyoderma (skin infection). Cellulitus is a condition in which inflammatory fluids are forced into the tissues, rather than being discharged on the surface. Interdigital cysts are characterized as a firm, nodular thickening of the interdigital web. These cysts generally exhibit active stages of deep draining tracts of large pustules in one or more interdigital spaces.
Interdigital pyoderma tends to be chronic in nature, therefore a thorough search for the underlying cause is essential. This search can consist of skin scrapings, bacterial cultures and sensitivity tests. Most often the causative factors are found to be infection with staphylococci, ingrown hairs or blockage of a sebaceous gland. Though in some cases a genetic predisposition is suspected, which will necessitate intermittent lifelong antibiotics to control the symptoms. In some cases, the cyst is removed under general anesthesia followed up by appropriate antibiotics.
In many cases, interdigital cysts can be eleviated, if only temporarily, by home treatment. Home treatment should not be attempted by novices, it is however a step available to those experienced in dogs and the possible repercussions of interdigital cysts. The following is a brief outline of one fairly successful home treatment course.
a) first thoroughly clean the area.
b) soak the paw in warm water with Epsom Salts. Some people find it easiest to soak all 4 feet at the same time by standing the dog in a bath tub.
c) Do not allow the dog to drink the water.
d) Soak for approximately 10 minutes.
e) Dry area thoroughly.
f) apply Panalog ointment to the area.
g) repeat daily until swelling has been gone for 3 days.

Hope this is somewhat usefull, and good luck!

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Interdigital pyoderma tends to be chronic in nature, therefore a thorough search for the underlying cause is essential. This search can consist of skin scrapings, bacterial cultures and sensitivity tests.

Your vet can help you to decide what should be done and personally, if you have a vet that simply throws pred at it every time instead of finding the underlying cause I'd find a new vet....not that you've said this or I'm assuming that's the case here but this information is for anyone reading through this who has a vet who chooses not to follow-up.

Many vets are more than willing to teach us how to care for things like this at home when it's something reoccuring. Please note: It's very important for anyone dealing with what they believe to be interdigital cysts to have it diagnosed by a qualified veterinarian before assuming and trying home treatments. Many other things closely resemble the interdigital cyst ( including some forms of cancer ) but require different forms of treatment.

Another home treatment that I've had wonderful results with is using Summers Eve douche ( Country Flowers ) rather than Epsom Salts and it seems to work much quicker. Only the "Country Flowers" variety however works in this fashion. I know it sounds silly and I laughed myself when I was first told about this some years ago but it actually does work!

Keeping the hair trimmed between the toes, making sure this same area is totally dry after the feet have become wet and lightly dusting between the toes with medicated gold bond powder or corn starch once a week or so tends to help as well.