What are hard growths on dog paw pads causing limping and swelling?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 8 lbs
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.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 27th, 2018
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 14th, 2016
You can try soaking her pads in a warm Epsom salt bath for 5-10 minutes daily. Also protecting her feet when she goes outside by placing pet booties on her may also provide some relief. If there is obvious extra pad growth protruding from the pads then she may have a condition called hyperkeratosis of the foodpads and should be treated through your vet for management (debriding of the extra keratin growth).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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