Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/30/2008

Question
Hi,   I have two Miniature Pinscher as of now only one has a swollen paw and it hurts her when I touch the foot and she holds it up and don't use it to walk on. It started from the front Right then the swelling went down and a back one also swelled then it went down and now the other right paw swelled.  Both of my feet swelled about two weeks ago so I have two questions; 1) What is this Illness?   2) Can a dog catch this type of illness?   3) How do I treat the illness or should I take her to the vet?

Thank you
Don

Answer
Without a proper examination, I wil not be able to give you anything specific. Sometimes chemicals can do this, while at other times a bad heart and poor circulation can do this.  Infections of the paw can also do that.  Check with your vet for an opinion.