What are hard growths on dog paw pads causing limping and swelling?

Question

My 4 year old Maltese (8lbs) has started to limp on her front foot. These hard callous looking things are growing out of her middle paw pads...both front feet! One foot is slightly red and swollen as you can see from the picture. Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 8 lbs

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. These could even be the result of an infection. These lesions are likely the reason why she is limping though other things like a soft tissue injury are also possible. 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 night!

What are hard growths on dog paw pads causing limping and swelling?

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