Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/1/2010

Question
My old english sheep dog has sore paws and they bleed she has had antibiotics and treatment with fuciderm gel and furacin, she is also on a Hills hypo allergenic food which I have trouble getting her to eat. Can you give me any advice? please

Answer
There are some autoimmune diseases of the pads that can make them split and bleed.  The quickest way to know what is going on is to have a biopsy done.  I would also start the dog on Steroids, just in case there is an allergy or an immune problem.  I would also soak the feet in warmed, salty water several times a day.  Keep the dog's feet on soft material like carpeting.