interdigital Cysts are an all too common ailment that Bulldogs seem prone to experience.
Interdigital Cysts are actually a cellultic form of deep tissue pyoderma (Pyoderma means infection of the skin). Cellulitis is an inflammatory condition in which fluids are forced into the tissues rather than being disharged at the surface. The IDC is characterized by firm, nodular thickening of the interdigital web of the foot. The large pustules often have deep draining tracts.
Unless the underlying cause can be determined there is a high incidence of reoccurrance. Allergies and other immune mediated disease can be the initiating causes of Intergidital pyoderma. There are a number of different diagnoses to consider such as demodex, fungi, pyoderma secondary to atopy, dermoid cysts. This search can consist of skin scrapings, bacterial cultures and sensitivity tests. Most often the causative factors are found to be infection with staphylococci, ingrown hairs or blockage of the sebaceous glands. In some cases a genetic predisposition is suspected, which will necessitate a lifelong intermittent use of antibiotics to control the symptoms. In severe cases, the cysts may be removed under general anesthesia followed up by antibiotic therapy.
There are many cases where home remedies have been used to eleviate, if only temporarily the discomfort of the IDC. These therapies range from soaking the affected foot, to applying topical treatments.
See the photos below that illustrate an Interdigital Cyst on a young male Bulldog.
