Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/22/2008

Question
My 2 yr old dog Macie's back left foot started getting this welt looking bumps. It was just 3 at first, then it turned into 6. Her hair around this area is completely gone and now her foot is extremely swollen causing her to limp.

All she wants to do is lick it. We can touch it and push on it and it doesn't seem to bother her. She had fleas real bad and we are treating them. Plus we think she has worms - which is also being treated. Any clue to what is causing this skin rash?

Answer
This is called pododermatitis. If it is infected then that may be caused by many things.  Foreign bodies like thorns or even an ingrown hair can cause this.  Foot lickers are often dogs with allergic skin disease, so that may account for the swelling. Dogs with demodex mange or yeast infections can show up ike that, too.  Take the dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment before it gets worse.