Irritated - Raw - Tender feet

[sophie's-mom]

http://www.rottweiler.net/gallery/fi.../9-4-05013.jpg

Ian has had this problem with his front feet/paws before. They get irritated and he ends up licking the heck out of them (top and bottom). I have taken him to the vet and they are unsure of what it is since he has never had a puncture in the area. This time there is a small hole in his pad but his other foot looks the same and there is no puncture on that foot.

Has anyone seen anything like this? This only began appearing about 6 months ago and Ian is 4. He's had two rounds of antibiotics for this. It's back?!?!?!

Thanks.

[Rottlva]

It looks like allergies....I couldn't really tell, but is the rawness in between the pads too?? Have you sprayed the lawns, cleaned the floors or carpets with something new??

[sophie's-mom]

Nope, nothing is new. It is between.

I was trying to upload more photos in PICTURE THIS since I am at quota in the Gallery

I have dial up here at home so I will have to upload from work tomorrow to give a better idea.

MAN it's frustrating. I hate giving too many antibiotics when it only seems to make the situation better temporarily.

[LunaBell]

Probably allergies. Allergies, weither they be food related or not, get worse with age. The paw is an awfully hard area to treat. You may have to confine your dog until you notice improvement.

[Patty1231]

How long is he on the antibiotics each time? Perhaps he just leads a longer course to completely kill it. Have they done any cultures for sensitivities?

[majicka]

My labX's feet used to look like that and it was allergies.

The vet prescribed benedryl and wiping her feet when she came in.

Is he licking the tops too? My lab has developed granulomas from her allergies (licking)..gah they are a total pain to get rid of.

[Sharon Marples]

Sounds like what one of our dogs had. We tried everything for months, then finally put her on a low dose of prednisone and bingo! It stopped the licking and itching. We kept cutting down the does until she would start licking again. She finally ended up at only 1/4 of the original dose. We only have to give it in the summer, the allergies don't bother her in the winter.