My dog has a blister on his toe near the toenail. What is it?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on November 21st, 2020

  I would get that checked by your vet as soon as possible. Your dog is young to have a malignant growth, but it's not unknown. It could be an infection, but if it came up very quickly, that is concerning. Your vet will do an exam, some lab work, possibly x-rays, and based on these results will be better able tot ell you what it is and how best to treat it. Even if it is benign, it may need to be removed anyway since that area is prone to getting caught on things and getting injured.

  

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  Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 31st, 2022

  Hello, my name is Dr. Elizabeth and I am happy to help. I hate to hear your pup's blister is not getting better. It's possible that the lesion is not healing because your pup is licking it and not letting it heal. It's also possible this is something along the lines of a skin cancer or there is a something stuck in the skin that needs to be removed. I think you have two options: 1) Have your pup examined. This is the best and fastest way to know if this is something like a skin cancer or a foreign object trapped under the skin. 2) Try home care. At home there are some things you can do which may help to heal the sore. The first thing you need to do is stop the licking (since this can make it worse). Your pup should wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Remember that the collar must come out past her nose in order to be effective. Next, wash the area once a day with either plain hand soap (like Dial) or a medicated pet shampoo. This will help to control the number of topical pathogens as well as remove oil and dead skin cells. Rinse the area well and gently towel dry. Lastly, apply a topical antibiotic twice a day. Just a dab will do and rub it in well. Make sure the skin is dry before application. Neosporin is fine to use. Since it's on the foot, she needs to rest and avoid trauma so only short, controlled walks. Also avoid rough surfaces like dry grass which may cause further irritation. If the spot is not much better in 1 week, if it gets worse at any point or if the lesion is not completely healed within 2 weeks, your pup needs to be examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and that the lesion heals quickly!

  

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on August 19th, 2018

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be a cyst or an infection site. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

  

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