My dog is chewing her footpads raw and can't walk. What's wrong?

Question

Hi My 14 month old lab mix started chewing and licking her footpads excessively about two weeks ago. Today she chewed so much of her pads that little pieces of skin are missing and she cant walk on that leg anymore, it is probably very painful. What can cause that? She chews all four paws almost equally. She has been on the same food from beginning and we didn’t use any new harsh chemicals in the house. Vet is testing her liver for derma necrosis but I doubt that, she is otherwise healthy. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 50 lbs

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

Poor Azra! Her pad chewing could be several things including hepatodermonecrosis, autoimmune disease, allergies to something in the environment, food allergy or endocrine disease. Each one of these problems is detected and addressed differently. A biopsy is needed for diagnosis of hepatodermonecrosis and autoimmune conditions. Food allergy is best ruled out with a diet trial using a hydrolyzed protein. Endocrine diseases are detected with blood work. Environmental allergies are a little more difficult to detect but a response to therapy or a blood test can give an indication. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they are unlikely to address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having Azra wear an elizabethan collar at all times and avoid exercise and abrasive surfaces. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

My dog is chewing her footpads raw and can't walk. What's wrong?

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