Causes of Swollen Paws in Dogs

There are different reasons that can explain why a dog has swollen paws. To reach a diagnosis, it's essential to consider whether the swelling affects the entire paw or just one spot.

Factors like the dog's age, its medical history, or whether it's had an accident also matter. In any case, swelling that doesn't go away, appears after an impact, or comes with other symptoms is reason enough to see a vet.

Conditions That Can Cause Swollen Paws in Dogs

Below we explain in detail the most common causes behind swollen limbs. All of them require veterinary treatment. They are:

• Abscesses.
• Joint injuries.
• Calluses.
• Fractures.
• Edema.
• Tumors.

What Are Abscesses?

An abscess is a buildup of pus beneath the skin. It can appear after a wound caused by a bite, a scratch, or any foreign object that manages to get lodged in the flesh.

In these cases, the skin can look healed, but underneath, an infection with pus buildup has developed. This is the abscess, and we'll notice it as a lump of varying size somewhere on the leg. It usually occurs in a single limb.

Sometimes the abscess opens and starts draining. Other times, the pus doesn't drain, or doesn't drain fully. In these cases, the vet will need to drain it, thoroughly clean the area, and prescribe medication if needed.

Joint Injuries

Sprains and strains can happen at any age, from causes such as an awkward movement, a fall, or an impact. There are also some diseases, such as borreliosis, that list joint swelling among their symptoms. But either way, this inflammation isn't always visible.

In fact, the most common sign will be limping and pain of varying obviousness. But other times we will be able to see swelling in the joint. Other causes include arthritis, elbow dysplasia, or conditions such as hypertrophic osteodystrophy.

In addition, older dogs can develop degenerative joint diseases that cause stiffness, pain, and inflammation. These may not be curable, but quality of life can be improved and pain reduced through management and treatment guidelines. A vet assessment is always needed to determine the cause.

Calluses on Dogs' Paws

These are also called pressure sores. They're grayish, hairless, folded, thickened patches that appear where a bone presses against the ground, when that surface is hard. They're more common in heavier dogs or those living in kennels with concrete floors.

The most affected area is usually the elbow, followed by the hocks, hips, or sides of the legs. They can ulcerate and become infected, which makes veterinary treatment essential. They're prevented by offering the dog soft surfaces to lie on. The elbow can swell in cases of hygroma or bursitis, more common in large, short-haired dogs.

This is inflammation of the bursae, small sacs filled with synovial fluid that protect the joints. It can appear in one or both elbows, or in the hock. It usually isn't painful and doesn't affect movement, but, like calluses, it can become infected. The vet will treat it with bandaging, drainage, surgery, or medication.

Fractures in the Legs

When a bone breaks, the fracture can be open or closed. In the first case, we'll see a wound, while in the second, the skin remains intact. In both, we can detect swelling. Fractures in the limbs result from being hit by a car, strong impacts, or falls from a great height.

In these cases, the dog is likely to have other injuries too, such as internal bleeding, organ damage, etc. That's why careful transport to the vet is required. Even if the only damage is one or more broken legs, this professional needs to assess it, control pain, and provide treatment.

This can be immobilization or surgery. If a dog with a broken leg doesn't receive care, the bones will end up healing improperly. The leg will end up deformed and may look swollen.

Edema in Dogs

Edema is a buildup of fluid that becomes visible in areas like the abdomen or limbs. This buildup occurs as a result of certain diseases, such as kidney failure, congestive heart failure, or liver failure.

Edema is due to problems eliminating fluids, malnutrition, or low blood protein levels. It can affect all four legs. It requires veterinary treatment, since the cause needs to be determined and a specific treatment prescribed.

Diuretics are often given to help expel excess fluid. These are drugs that should always be used under close veterinary supervision.

Tumors in Dogs

Tumors are abnormal cell growths that can occur in different parts of the body. Some are benign, while others are malignant and can spread to other locations in a process called metastasis.

They can grow in different cells, including bone cells, causing swelling in the affected limb. Whenever we suspect the presence of a tumor, it's important to see a vet as soon as possible, since early diagnosis is essential.

This is what offers the best chance of successful treatment. To determine whether or not it's cancer, the vet will remove it or take a sample to send to the lab. This gives basic information to identify the type of cancer and its stage. Treatment and prognosis depend on this.

Bibliography Carlson and Giffin. 2002. Manual práctico de veterinaria canina. Madrid. Editorial el Drac.